Internship Verified listing
UNESCO Priority Africa and External Relations Internship 2026
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026 (58 days left)
Study level
Bachelor's (third/final year), Master's, PhD and eligible vocational students
Funding
Unpaid – no financial remuneration
Field
International Relations, Communication, Administration, Development Studies and related disciplines
Official source: careers.unesco.org
UNESCO Priority Africa and External Relations Internship 2026
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is accepting applications for its Priority Africa and External Relations Internship Programme 2026.
This internship provides an opportunity for eligible university students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in an international organization while contributing to activities related to international cooperation, Africa's development priorities, communication, research, coordination and external relations.
The internship is associated with UNESCO's Priority Africa and External Relations Sector, which supports cooperation between UNESCO and its Member States, regional and international organizations, national commissions, partners and other stakeholders.
Internship Overview
Organization: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Internship title: Priority Africa and External Relations Intern
Opportunity type: Internship
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes (multiple locations)
Duration: 1 to 6 months
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Remuneration: Unpaid
Application method: Online application through the official UNESCO careers portal
What Will the Intern Do?
Selected interns may support the Priority Africa and External Relations Sector with different professional and administrative responsibilities.
The main activities include:
Research and Information Analysis
Research and analyze information to support briefings for bilateral meetings.
Gather relevant information about Member States, international cooperation and UNESCO activities.
Communication and Document Preparation
Prepare preliminary drafts of notes, memoranda, letters and other documents.
Assist in preparing information for Member States, programme sectors and potential partners.
Coordination and International Relations
Support coordination between UNESCO departments, Member States, Field Offices and external partners.
Help maintain effective working relationships with delegations and other stakeholders.
Meetings and Events
Assist in organizing meetings and events.
Provide coordination and technical support for meetings and statutory sessions.
Reporting and Administrative Support
Assist in drafting reports and preparing contributions to official meetings.
Support information management and other administrative responsibilities.
Digital Communication
Assist with updating relevant information on the sector's intranet website, including information about Member States, UNESCO events and publications.
Tasks may vary depending on the supervisor's assignments and the needs of the sector.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, participants can develop professional knowledge and skills in:
International relations and diplomacy.
International cooperation and development.
Research and information analysis.
Professional communication and report writing.
Administrative coordination.
Stakeholder management.
Teamwork in a multicultural environment.
Problem-solving and professional ethics.
Interns will also gain an understanding of UNESCO's mission, international policy-making processes and the role of international organizations in promoting cooperation and development.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy UNESCO's internship eligibility requirements.
1. Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
2. Academic qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:
Be currently enrolled in the third year or final year of a Bachelor's degree.
Be currently enrolled in a second university degree, Master's degree or PhD programme, or equivalent.
Have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree no more than 12 months before the issuance of the Internship Agreement.
Applicants applying for technical or vocational assignments must be enrolled in the final year of a specialized technical or vocational institution, or have graduated within the previous 12 months.
3. Language requirements
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken command of either English or French.
Knowledge of the other language is an advantage and may be required for certain assignments.
4. Computer skills
Applicants must have excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
5. Personal and professional skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team.
Adaptability to an international working environment.
Professionalism and accountability.
Interest in international cooperation and UNESCO's mission.
Financial Benefits and Entitlements
Important: This is an unpaid internship.
UNESCO does not provide financial remuneration or other financial compensation for internship assignments.
However, interns are entitled to:
2.5 days of leave per month.
An additional one working day of leave for every complete month of internship.
Limited workplace insurance coverage against certain injuries, illnesses, disabilities or death directly attributable to the execution of the internship.
Applicants must arrange and finance their own travel to the internship location and obtain any necessary visas.
Applicants must also provide proof of comprehensive medical insurance valid in the country of the internship for the entire internship period.
Required Documents
Before the internship begins, successful candidates must provide the relevant supporting documents, including:
Proof of identity (national ID card or passport).
Certificate of enrollment, where applicable.
Academic transcript.
Diploma, if recently graduated.
Documents that are not in English or French should be accompanied by an unofficial translation into either of these languages.
The application process also requires applicants to provide information about their skills, competencies, experience and interests.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UNESCO Careers Portal.
Follow these steps:
Open the official UNESCO vacancy announcement using the application link below.
Read the complete internship requirements carefully.
Access the online application system.
Create an account or sign in to your existing UNESCO careers account.
Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic and professional information.
Answer the questions about your skills, competencies, experience and interests.
Review your application carefully and submit it.
Important application instructions:
The online application process allows only one hour to complete the application.
Applications must be completed in English or French.
Ensure that your contact information remains valid for the following six months.
Prepare your academic information and supporting documents in advance.
How the Selection Process Works
Applicants are applying to join UNESCO's internship talent pool, not necessarily to a specific confirmed internship position.
After successfully submitting an application, the candidate's profile may be assessed by relevant hiring managers when suitable internship opportunities become available.
The application remains valid in the internship talent pool for six months.
If a suitable opportunity becomes available and the candidate is selected, the relevant hiring manager will contact them directly.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or placement. UNESCO receives more applications from qualified candidates than it can accommodate.
Application Deadline
31 December 2026 (Midnight)
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Official Application Link
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-INTERNSHIP-Priority-Africa-and-External-Relations/1348535957/
Always use the official UNESCO Careers Portal to submit your application. No third-party recruitment fee is required by the information in this vacancy announcement.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is accepting applications for its Priority Africa and External Relations Internship Programme 2026.
This internship provides an opportunity for eligible university students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in an international organization while contributing to activities related to international cooperation, Africa's development priorities, communication, research, coordination and external relations.
The internship is associated with UNESCO's Priority Africa and External Relations Sector, which supports cooperation between UNESCO and its Member States, regional and international organizations, national commissions, partners and other stakeholders.
Internship Overview
Organization: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Internship title: Priority Africa and External Relations Intern
Opportunity type: Internship
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes (multiple locations)
Duration: 1 to 6 months
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Remuneration: Unpaid
Application method: Online application through the official UNESCO careers portal
What Will the Intern Do?
Selected interns may support the Priority Africa and External Relations Sector with different professional and administrative responsibilities.
The main activities include:
Research and Information Analysis
Research and analyze information to support briefings for bilateral meetings.
Gather relevant information about Member States, international cooperation and UNESCO activities.
Communication and Document Preparation
Prepare preliminary drafts of notes, memoranda, letters and other documents.
Assist in preparing information for Member States, programme sectors and potential partners.
Coordination and International Relations
Support coordination between UNESCO departments, Member States, Field Offices and external partners.
Help maintain effective working relationships with delegations and other stakeholders.
Meetings and Events
Assist in organizing meetings and events.
Provide coordination and technical support for meetings and statutory sessions.
Reporting and Administrative Support
Assist in drafting reports and preparing contributions to official meetings.
Support information management and other administrative responsibilities.
Digital Communication
Assist with updating relevant information on the sector's intranet website, including information about Member States, UNESCO events and publications.
Tasks may vary depending on the supervisor's assignments and the needs of the sector.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, participants can develop professional knowledge and skills in:
International relations and diplomacy.
International cooperation and development.
Research and information analysis.
Professional communication and report writing.
Administrative coordination.
Stakeholder management.
Teamwork in a multicultural environment.
Problem-solving and professional ethics.
Interns will also gain an understanding of UNESCO's mission, international policy-making processes and the role of international organizations in promoting cooperation and development.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy UNESCO's internship eligibility requirements.
1. Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
2. Academic qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:
Be currently enrolled in the third year or final year of a Bachelor's degree.
Be currently enrolled in a second university degree, Master's degree or PhD programme, or equivalent.
Have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree no more than 12 months before the issuance of the Internship Agreement.
Applicants applying for technical or vocational assignments must be enrolled in the final year of a specialized technical or vocational institution, or have graduated within the previous 12 months.
3. Language requirements
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken command of either English or French.
Knowledge of the other language is an advantage and may be required for certain assignments.
4. Computer skills
Applicants must have excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
5. Personal and professional skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team.
Adaptability to an international working environment.
Professionalism and accountability.
Interest in international cooperation and UNESCO's mission.
Financial Benefits and Entitlements
Important: This is an unpaid internship.
UNESCO does not provide financial remuneration or other financial compensation for internship assignments.
However, interns are entitled to:
2.5 days of leave per month.
An additional one working day of leave for every complete month of internship.
Limited workplace insurance coverage against certain injuries, illnesses, disabilities or death directly attributable to the execution of the internship.
Applicants must arrange and finance their own travel to the internship location and obtain any necessary visas.
Applicants must also provide proof of comprehensive medical insurance valid in the country of the internship for the entire internship period.
Required Documents
Before the internship begins, successful candidates must provide the relevant supporting documents, including:
Proof of identity (national ID card or passport).
Certificate of enrollment, where applicable.
Academic transcript.
Diploma, if recently graduated.
Documents that are not in English or French should be accompanied by an unofficial translation into either of these languages.
The application process also requires applicants to provide information about their skills, competencies, experience and interests.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UNESCO Careers Portal.
Follow these steps:
Open the official UNESCO vacancy announcement using the application link below.
Read the complete internship requirements carefully.
Access the online application system.
Create an account or sign in to your existing UNESCO careers account.
Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic and professional information.
Answer the questions about your skills, competencies, experience and interests.
Review your application carefully and submit it.
Important application instructions:
The online application process allows only one hour to complete the application.
Applications must be completed in English or French.
Ensure that your contact information remains valid for the following six months.
Prepare your academic information and supporting documents in advance.
How the Selection Process Works
Applicants are applying to join UNESCO's internship talent pool, not necessarily to a specific confirmed internship position.
After successfully submitting an application, the candidate's profile may be assessed by relevant hiring managers when suitable internship opportunities become available.
The application remains valid in the internship talent pool for six months.
If a suitable opportunity becomes available and the candidate is selected, the relevant hiring manager will contact them directly.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or placement. UNESCO receives more applications from qualified candidates than it can accommodate.
Application Deadline
31 December 2026 (Midnight)
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Official Application Link
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-INTERNSHIP-Priority-Africa-and-External-Relations/1348535957/
Always use the official UNESCO Careers Portal to submit your application. No third-party recruitment fee is required by the information in this vacancy announcement.
Eligible countries: Not restricted to specific nationalities in the announcement
Minimum age 20; academic, language and computer requirements
Leave entitlement and limited workplace insurance
ID/passport, enrollment certificate, transcript or diploma, as applicable
Submit an online application through the official UNESCO Careers Portal. Applicants must complete the application in English or French.
Official application page:
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-INTERNSHIP-Priority-Africa-and-External-Relations/1348535957/ Open official application page
Official application page:
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-INTERNSHIP-Priority-Africa-and-External-Relations/1348535957/ Open official application page
AdministrationAfricaCommunicationGraduate OpportunitiesInternational CooperationInternational RelationsInternship 2026ResearchUNESCOUnited Nations
