UNESCO External Relations Internship 2026

UNESCO Priority Africa and External Relations Internship 2026

Are you a passionate diplomat-in-training eager to shape international policy and foster global cooperation? The UNESCO Priority Africa and External Relations Internship offers a prestigious platform to bridge the gap between Member States and the UN system. Step into a dynamic, multicultural environment to support vital statutory meetings, coordinate with Goodwill Ambassadors, and advance the Global Priority Africa initiative on the world stage.

Particulars & Details

About the Role

The overall mission of the sector for Priority Africa and External Relations is to coordinate, ensure liaison, and provide strategic policy advice to the Director General. This encompasses critical cooperation with Member States, the Global Priority Africa, the UN system, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), National commissions, Goodwill Ambassadors, and comprehensive support to Field Offices. As an intern, you will gain a deep understanding of the functioning of the Organisation, developing essential soft skills such as stakeholder management, flexibility, and a client-oriented service mindset.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare preliminary draft notes, memoranda, letters, and other proposals for submission to Member States and potential partners.
• Assist in researching and analyzing information provisions to create briefings for bilateral meetings.
• Provide assistance in coordinating the Sector's contributions to Statutory meetings, including the General conference and Executive Board.
• Maintain close working relationships with Delegations, Programme Sectors, Central services, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the organization of meetings and events while providing technical support to ensure the success of the work team.
• Update the PAX Website on the Intranet, particularly focusing on information regarding Member States and UNESCO events.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 20 years old to apply.
• Educational Status: You must meet ONE of the following criteria at the time of application: be enrolled in the 3rd or final year of a Bachelor's degree; be enrolled in a Master's or PhD degree; or have finished your Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree within the last 12 months.
• Technical/Vocational Students: Applicants must be in the last year of their studies or have graduated within the last 12 months.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Language Proficiency: You must have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of either English or French. Working knowledge of the other language is an asset.
• Computer Skills: You must possess excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work well in a team and adapt to an international environment.
• Core Competencies: Accountability, Innovation, Knowledge sharing, Planning and organizing, Results focus, and Professionalism.

Benefits and Entitlements

• Remuneration: UNESCO does not remunerate interns; there is no financial compensation for internship assignments.
• Leave Policies: Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month, plus an additional 1 working day per complete month of the internship.
• Insurance: UNESCO provides limited workplace insurance coverage against risk of injury, illness, disability, or death incurred during the period of the internship.

Application Process & Guidelines

• Talent Pool System: You are applying to become part of a pool of intern candidates, which remains valid for 6 months. Your application will be assessed by hiring managers globally.
• Timed Assessment: You will be asked questions about your skills and experience. You only have exactly one hour to finish this process.
• Language & Translation: You can only use English or French to apply. An unofficial translation must be provided for documents not in these languages.
• Selection: If selected, you will be contacted directly. If you receive no update within six months, the application was not successful.

How to Apply

1. Navigate to the official UNESCO Careers portal using the link provided below.
2. Ensure your contact details are accurate and will remain valid for the next 6 months.
3. Set aside one uninterrupted hour to complete the skills and competency questionnaire.
4. Submit your application in English or French into the intern talent pool before the June 30, 2026 deadline.

Important Links

• Apply Online: Click Here to Submit Application
• UNESCO Careers Portal: careers.unesco.org

FAQs

• Is the UNESCO internship paid? No, UNESCO does not remunerate interns and offers no financial compensation.
• How old do I need to be to apply? You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
• How does the application pool work? Your application enters a global database valid for 6 months, where managers worldwide can review it and contact you if selected.
• Do I need to speak both English and French? Excellent command of one is required, while working knowledge of the other is an asset.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.

Also check:
UNESCO Human Resources Management Internship 2026 

UNESCO NSS Internship 2026