UNESCO 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: 31 December 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)

UNESCO Core Values

• Commitment to the Organization
• Integrity
• Respect for Diversity
• Professionalism

Overview of the Functions of the Post

The intern will gain the opportunity to learn and support the mission of the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations, which aims to coordinate cooperation with Member States and other partners. The role involves contributing to strategic policy advice and ensuring effective communication with various stakeholders.

Tasks

The intern will undertake the following tasks:

• Prepare preliminary drafts for notes, memoranda, letters, and proposals.
• Assist in researching and analyzing information for bilateral meeting briefings.
• Help coordinate contributions to statutory meetings (e.g., General Conference, Executive Board) and draft reports.

• Provide timely and accurate information to address queries from various stakeholders.
• Assist in organizing meetings and events while providing technical support to ensure their success.
• Update the PAX website on the Intranet with relevant information.
• Undertake any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the intern shall:

• Acquire a general understanding of UNESCO’s work and the specific mandate of the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations.
• Understand the global policy-making context, including UNESCO’s role and impact.
• Develop soft skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving, and communication within the UNESCO Competency Framework.
• Gain insight into the organization’s functioning, policies, and challenges.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Innovation
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Planning and Organizing
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

Required Qualifications

Age:

• Minimum age of 20 years.

Academic Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent) or graduated within the last 12 months.
• Candidates with a completed bachelor’s degree but not enrolled in a graduate program are not eligible.

Languages:

• Excellent command of English or French (written and spoken). Knowledge of the other language is an asset.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in computer systems and office-related software.

Team Player:

• Ability to work well in a team and adapt to an international environment.

Communication Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits and Entitlements

• UNESCO does not remunerate interns.
• Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship.

Selection and Recruitment Process

The internship program is open in January and July each year. Candidates apply to specific vacancies and are assessed by relevant managers. Candidates not selected in the current cycle must reapply for future opportunities.

Important Considerations

• Prepare your motivation letter and resume before the application.
• Ensure valid contact details for the next six months.
• Applications can only be submitted in English or French.
• Unofficial translations of documents not in these languages should be provided.
• There is no guarantee of placement due to high competition.

Kindly note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you do not hear back within six months, it means that your application has not been successful. APPLY HERE.