UNICEF Internship Program 2026

No. IELTS and TOEFL are not required. You must be proficient in at least one UN official language: English, Spanish, or French.

Yes. Recent graduates within the past 2 years are also eligible, alongside currently enrolled undergraduate, master's, and PhD students.

Selection takes 1-3 months after the application deadline. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted - if you don't hear back within 3 months, the position has likely been filled.

UNICEF internship positions span a very wide range of functions. Common categories include: education program support, health and nutrition research, communication and social media, supply chain and procurement, human resources, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, child protection, water and sanitation (WASH), and ICT. Positions are listed across UNICEF offices in over 190 countries - from New York HQ to country offices in Pakistan, Jordan, Kenya, Indonesia, and beyond. Browse the portal by country, function, and duration to find positions that match your skills.

Your UNICEF cover letter must be specific to the individual position - not generic. Structure it as follows: (1) In the opening, state clearly which position you are applying for and the duty station; (2) Describe your most relevant academic or professional experience that directly matches the position's requirements; (3) Explain how this internship aligns with your long-term career goals in humanitarian work or development; (4) Close by expressing your knowledge of UNICEF's mission and how you will contribute. A one-page, focused cover letter that mirrors the language of the job posting is far more effective than a two-page generic letter.