Frequently asked questions for Internships
Internship programme common questions and answers
If I am selected, what kind of work will I be doing?
This will depend on the needs of the office to which you are assigned, your qualifications and interests. If you have specific interests or requirements for your degree, you should include this information on your cover letter. Most interns work on one or several projects that include research, database management, communications and many other areas. Please refer to the internship vacancy for more information about the specific tasks of the internship position.
How long is the programme?
For the internship to be worthwhile and effective, the duration is usually between 6 and 26 weeks.
Can I get financial support from UNICEF?
All our interns are entitled to a stipend as a contribution towards living expenses, paid by UNICEF or a partner institution. A one-time lump sum, as a contribution towards travel and visa costs, may also be granted when funding is available.
Do I need to be at the office full-time?
While most of our internships are full-time, some are not. How long and how often you work in the office depends on the agreement you make with your supervisor and the project and office you are assigned to. Some internships can be carried out on a part-time basis, or even remotely.
When should I apply?
Internship vacancies are advertised throughout the year on our vacancies page. Refer to the details of the specific vacancy for important dates such as the deadline for application and the duration of the internship.
Should I contact UNICEF to arrange an interview?
No, if UNICEF wants to interview you, either in person or by phone, we will contact you, based on the contact details you provide on your application.
Will I be hired by UNICEF after my internship?
There should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. However, interns may be eligible to apply for certain positions within UNICEF, subject to internal policies, including those governing breaks in service. A UNICEF internship is a valuable and well-regarded asset in any resume/CV and can serve as the foundation for one’s career.
How to partner with UNICEF's internship program?
We partner with leading academic institutions and other organizations to continuously improve the quality and diversity of our interns. If you are interested in partnering with UNICEF, contact us at internship@unicef.org
What if my question was not answered by these FAQs?
If you have questions that have not been answered in the internship FAQs, contact internship@unicef.org.