UNESCO Global Paid Internships 2026

14 UNESCO Global Paid Internships 2026

UNESCO internship opportunities available to external candidates across multiple sectors, bureaus, and institutes, including Headquarters and Field Offices.

General Requirements

Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old.

Education: Candidates must be in their third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a Master's or PhD program, or have graduated from a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program within the last 12 months

Students in technical/vocational assignments must be in their last year of study or have recently graduated.

Languages: An excellent written and spoken command of English or French is required, and knowledge of the other is considered an asset.

Skills: Excellent knowledge of computer systems, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well in an international team environment.

Internship Conditions and Benefits

Duration: Internships last between 1 and 6 months.

Compensation: The internships are strictly unpaid and offer no financial compensation.

Leave: Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month, plus 1 additional working day per complete month.

Insurance: UNESCO provides limited workplace insurance covering injury, illness, disability, or death directly attributable to the internship.

Application and Selection Process

Deadline: The application deadline for these positions is June 30, 2026.

Talent Pool: By applying, candidates are not applying for a specific opening but are entering a general intern talent pool that remains valid for 6 months.

Selection: Relevant hiring managers assess the pool and directly contact selected candidates

 If an applicant does not hear back within six months, their application was unsuccessful.

Available Departments and Sectors Interns carry out various tasks such as research, data analysis, event organization, communication assistance, and project support depending on their specific assignment

Opportunities are currently listed in the following sectors:

1. INTERNSHIP: DIVISION OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES

(HEADQUARTERS)

Duty Station: Paris Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

2. INTERNSHIP: CULTURE SECTOR

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

3. INTERNSHIP: OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Duty Station: Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

4. INTERNSHIP: EDUCATION SECTOR

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : maximum 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

5. INTERNSHIP: SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

6. INTERNSHIP: GOVERNING BODIES SECRETARIAT

Duty Station: Headquarters (Paris)

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

7. INTERNSHIP: INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC

COMMISSION

Duty Station: Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

8. INTERNSHIP: COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION SECTOR

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

9. INTERNSHIP: ALL SECTORS / BUREAUS

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

10. INTERNSHIP: NATURAL SCIENCE SECTOR

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

11. INTERNSHIP: PRIORITY AFRICA AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

12. INTERNSHIP: COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Duty Station: Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

13. INTERNSHIP: DIGITAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Duty Station: Paris Headquarters or remote

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

unesco

14. INTERNSHIP: Bureau Of Human Resources Management

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

Application link : Click here

Position Title	Sector/Bureau	Duty Station	Primary Responsibilities	Specific Learning Objectives	Academic Eligibility Requirements	Required Languages	Duration	Application Deadline	Source
INTERNSHIP: ALL SECTORS / BUREAUS	All Sectors / Bureaus	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Carry out and prepare summaries of research; contribute to the preparation of documents; collect, analyze, and present data; assist in organizing events; participate in meetings and workshops; liaise with UN System colleagues.	Opportunity to improve an array of technical and professional skills in a multi-cultural environment and development of UNESCO Core competencies like Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	1
INTERNSHIP: EDUCATION SECTOR	Education Sector	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Programme and project support; research and knowledge management regarding global education themes; partnerships and fundraising analysis; administrative and logistical support for events.	Understand the approach to developing and managing education projects; multilateral processes; data analysis related to education; design of policy briefs.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	2
INTERNSHIP: NATURAL SCIENCE SECTOR	Natural Science Sector	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Participate in project preparation; research and collect data for briefing notes and reports; support communication and visibility; logistical support for events and budget preparation.	Design of policy briefs; understand global policy making in Natural Sciences; develop critical-thinking skills; understand administrative procedures and soft skills.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Studies in water science, hydrology, or natural sciences is desirable.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	3
INTERNSHIP: SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES	Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Support missions related to social policies, ethics, and inclusion; assist in research and capacity-building for inclusive societies; activities vary based on specialization and sector needs.	Understand management of Social and Human Sciences projects; multilateral processes; design of policy briefs; develop domain knowledge in SHS.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	4
INTERNSHIP: CULTURE SECTOR	Culture Sector	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Assist in implementation and monitoring of Culture programmes; contribute to documents, reports, and communication content; conduct research on Culture Conventions; assist with meetings and events.	Fundamental understanding of the mission and structure of the UNESCO Culture Sector; acquire understanding of UNESCO's mandate; develop diplomatic writing skills.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	5
INTERNSHIP: COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION SECTOR	Communication & Information Sector	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Programme and project support; research and knowledge management; partnerships and fundraising events data compilation; operations support including administrative and logistical support for meetings.	Understand approach to communication and information projects; understand multilateral processes; design of policy briefs; acquire skills in research, writing, and stakeholder management.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	6
INTERNSHIP: COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT	Division for Communications and Public Engagement	Headquarters	Support social media campaigns, web creation/management, press release translation, photo cataloguing, branding projects, and organizing UNESCO Campus conferences.	Knowledge of project management; application of communication techniques; advanced web architecture; strengthen writing skills; use of design software and Content Management.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Master’s in Communication or Journalism is desirable.	Excellent command of English or French. Knowledge of Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese is desirable.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	7
INTERNSHIP: OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL	Office of the Director-General (Cabinet)	Headquarters	Assist in preparing files on education, science, culture; writing speeches, talking points, and articles in the Speechwriting Pool; revise correspondence; conduct documentary research.	Understand development of communication projects; multilateral processes; insight into global policy making; develop soft skills like stakeholder management and work ethic.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	8
INTERNSHIP: PRIORITY AFRICA AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS	Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations (PAX)	Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes	Draft notes, memoranda, and letters; research information for briefings; assist in coordinating contributions to statutory meetings; update PAX Website on Intranet; organize meetings.	General understanding of UNESCO's mission and PAX mandate; context of global policy making; understand administrative procedures and develop soft skills.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	9
INTERNSHIP: INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION	Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)	Headquarters	Support ocean science programmes; data, information and knowledge management; analyze data for partnerships; logistical support for meetings; support Ocean Decade actions.	Understand project management for ocean and coastal issues; multilateral processes; partnership development; insight into ocean science communication.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Studies in water science, hydrology, or earth sciences is desirable.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	10
INTERNSHIP: DIVISION OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES (HEADQUARTERS)	Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS)	Paris Headquarters	Support Audit, Investigation, and Evaluation functions; assist in gathering evidence, assessing allegations of misconduct, data collection/analysis, and drafting reports.	Understand Oversight functions; acquire skills in research, writing, and communication; knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection; understand policy development.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	11
INTERNSHIP: DIGITAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS	Digital Business Solutions (DBS)	Paris Headquarters or remote	ICT operations including network monitoring, Cloud platform setup, Cybersecurity awareness, AI testing, application development, and data visualization/Power BI reporting.	Knowledge of project management; strengthen writing skills; technical skills and knowledge in the area of ICT work; build up interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	12
INTERNSHIP: GOVERNING BODIES SECRETARIAT	Governing Bodies Secretariat (GBS)	Headquarters (Paris)	Assist with working meetings, reports, and research; provide assistance with the design and follow-up to sessions of the Executive Board and General Conference; logistics and archiving.	Knowledge of UN and UNESCO; understand functioning of governance and statutory texts; understand debates at Headquarters and international issues; ability to work under pressure.	Currently enrolled in 3rd/last year of Bachelor's, or in Master's/PhD; or graduated within the last 12 months. Technical/vocational students in last year or recent graduates.	Excellent command of English or French. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.	1 to 6 months	30 June 2026	13