The UNESCO Communication and Information Sector Internship 2026 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience supporting international work in communication, information, media development, digital transformation, research and knowledge management.
The internship opportunities are available at UNESCO Headquarters, field offices and institutes, with placements lasting between 1 and 6 months. The application deadline is 31 December 2026 at midnight.
About the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector Internship
UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector works to promote freedom of expression, media development, media and information literacy, universal access to information, innovation and the preservation of documentary heritage.
Interns can support work related to freedom of expression, access to information, journalist safety, independent media, digital transformation, linguistic diversity and documentary heritage.
The internship is designed to give participants practical exposure to the work of an international organization while developing research, communication, analytical and project-management skills.
Internship Duration and Location
- Organization: UNESCO
- Sector: Communication and Information
- Contract type: Internship
- Locations: UNESCO Headquarters, field offices and institutes
- Duration: 1 to 6 months
- Application deadline: 31 December 2026 at midnight
What Will UNESCO Interns Do?
The exact responsibilities depend on the assignment and team. UNESCO states that specific terms of reference and learning objectives will form part of the internship agreement.
Programme and Project Support
Interns may:
- Participate in preparing and reviewing project documents
- Draft notes and technical annexes
- Prepare concept notes and conceptual frameworks
- Collect, organize and analyze data
- Help prepare working papers and project documentation
- Support the development of new interventions and projects
Research and Knowledge Management
Interns may also:
- Conduct research and reviews
- Contribute to publications and project proposals
- Prepare knowledge and communication products
- Support advocacy and outreach materials
- Participate in meetings and seminars
Partnerships
Responsibilities can include analyzing background information for potential partnerships, supporting fundraising activities and helping organize meetings, visits and briefings.
Interns may also interact with national administrations, researchers, international organizations and member-country delegations.
Operations Support
Interns can provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, events, workshops and conferences. They may also assist with budgets, financial documents, project documentation and evaluations.
Skills You Can Gain
The internship can help participants develop skills in:
- Communication and information project management
- Data analysis
- Policy brief development
- International project management
- Research and writing
- Stakeholder management
- Problem-solving
- Interpersonal communication
- Teamwork
- Professionalism
Interns are also expected to gain an understanding of multilateral processes and international policy-making in communication and information.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
Candidates must meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree
- Be enrolled in a second university degree, Master’s or PhD programme
- Have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree no more than 12 months before the issuance of the Internship Agreement
- For technical or vocational assignments, be in the final year of a relevant programme or have graduated within the previous 12 months
Language Requirements
Applicants should have an excellent written and spoken command of English or French.
Knowledge of the other language is considered an advantage and may be required for some secretarial and assistantship internships at Headquarters.
Other Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Excellent knowledge of computer systems and office software
- The ability to work effectively in a team
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to adapt to an international working environment
Is the UNESCO Internship Paid?
No. UNESCO does not remunerate interns.
The organization states that there is no financial or other compensation for internship assignments.
Applicants should therefore consider the financial implications of participating before applying.
UNESCO also states that interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and financing their travel to the internship location.
Applicants must also provide proof of comprehensive medical insurance valid in the country where they will undertake the internship.
UNESCO Internship Leave
Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month, plus an additional day of leave for each complete month of the internship.
How the Selection Process Works
An important point is that applicants are not applying to one specific internship vacancy.
Instead, successful applications enter UNESCO’s intern candidate pool. Hiring managers can subsequently assess candidates according to their expertise, interests, and available opportunities.
The candidature remains valid for six months. Candidates selected for an opportunity will be contacted directly by the relevant hiring manager. If there is no update within six months, UNESCO indicates that the application was unsuccessful.
There is also no guarantee of placement, even when an applicant meets the eligibility requirements, because UNESCO receives more qualified applications than available internship opportunities.
Documents to Prepare
Before applying, candidates should have:
- A CV or résumé
- A motivation letter
- Information about their skills and experience
- Details of their interests
- Academic documents where required
UNESCO advises applicants to ensure that their contact details will remain valid for the following six months. Applications can only be submitted in English or French.
If official documents are not in English or French, applicants should provide an unofficial English or French translation in PDF format.
Important Application Information
The application process includes questions about applicants’ skills, competencies, experience, and interests. UNESCO notes that applicants have one hour to complete the application process.
Applicants should therefore prepare their CV and motivation letter before beginning the online application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNESCO Careers portal and select the relevant Communication and Information Sector internship vacancy notices that match their expertise or interests.
Applicants may apply to multiple available vacancy notices if appropriate, but the application is ultimately for inclusion in UNESCO’s internship candidate pool rather than a guaranteed specific position.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Communication and Information Sector Internship 2026 can provide valuable international experience for students and recent graduates interested in communication, media, information, research, digital transformation, policy and international development.
The internship lasts 1 to 6 months, is available across UNESCO Headquarters, field offices and institutes, and has an application deadline of 31 December 2026. However, applicants should note that the internship is unpaid, and selected interns are responsible for travel, visa, and appropriate medical insurance arrangements.
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