funding: Paid ($1,500–$2,500/month depending on location)
location: Multiple global UNICEF offices
eligibility: Students enrolled in or recently completed graduate studies
host: UNICEF
duration: 6–26 weeks
apply-url: https://www.unicef.org/careers/internships
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, operates one of the largest internship programmes of any international organisation. In 2026, UNICEF has expanded its paid internship programme to offer placements across all six of its regional offices and dozens of country offices, reflecting the organisation's global mandate to protect children's rights and improve children's lives around the world.
What You Get
UNICEF interns receive a monthly stipend (amounts vary by duty station and cost of living), hands-on experience on real programme and operational work, mentorship from UNICEF professionals, and an inside view of how a major UN agency designs, implements, and evaluates development programmes. Internships run for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of six months, with most placements lasting three to six months.
Available Roles
Internship opportunities span a wide range of functions including communications and advocacy, data science and analytics, child protection, education, health and nutrition, climate and environment, supply chain management, finance, human resources, and policy. Both remote and on-site placements are available. On-site roles include positions in New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok, Amman, and dozens of country offices.
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree programme. UNICEF internships are open to students and graduates of all nationalities, though some duty stations have specific requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have health insurance for the duration of the placement. Strong written communication skills in English and/or French are required for most roles; additional language skills are an asset.
How to Apply
UNICEF internship vacancies are posted on the UNICEF Jobs portal at jobs.unicef.org. Set up a job alert for "internship" to be notified when new positions open. Apply directly to specific vacancies rather than sending general enquiries — each posting has its own deadline and requirements. Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and office you are applying to, showing knowledge of UNICEF's current programmes and priorities.
Career Impact
A UNICEF internship on your CV signals a serious commitment to development and humanitarian work. Many UNICEF interns go on to full-time roles within UNICEF or other UN agencies, international NGOs, or government bodies. The experience of working within a UN system — with its reporting structures, mandates, and cross-sector partnerships — is genuinely unlike any other early-career opportunity.