INTERNSHIP: Office of the Director-General

OVERVIEW

Duty Station: Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Cabinet Coordination Officer, and under the supervision of one of the Director-General’s advisors, the intern will assist the Advisor in preparing files on subjects related to the fields of competency of UNESCO (education, science, culture, social and human sciences and communication).

In this way, the intern will gain knowledge of UNESCO’s working environment and operations (including its mandate and cooperation with specialized UN agencies). They will also develop an understanding of UNESCO’s interactions with other international institutions (the United Nations system and the 2030 Agenda).

TASKS

During the internship, the intern will be called on to:

Assist the Advisor in preparing notes and opinions on administrative, political and communications issues related to the activities and fields of competency of UNESCO.

In addition, interns in the Speechwriting Pool (Pôle Langage) will help prepare elements for various interventions by the Director-General (in French and in English). They will help write speeches, talking points, messages, editorials, articles and forewords. They will also carry out documentary research with a view to preparing speeches or official visits by the Director-General. Under the supervision of the Head of the Pôle Langage, they will also revise correspondence to be signed by the Director-General.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Understand the approach to developing and managing communication and information projects

Understand multilateral processes.

Carry out data analyses as it relates to communication and information.

Design of policy briefs , using a variety of approaches including tools such as case studies, group discussion work, facilitator input and individual reflection.

Gain insight into development and implementation of communication and information projects

Understand the context of global policy making in the field of communication and information projects, including role of international organizations through their work in setting standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing policy advice, enhancing human and institutional capacities and facilitating cooperation.

Understanding international project management through learning-by-doing approaches.

Developing domain knowledge in the field of communication and information projects

Acquiring and strengthening skills in research, writing and communication.

Developing soft skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic.

The intern will also gain an understanding of the overall work of UNESCO and be given an opportunity to develop soft skills of the UNESCO Competency Framework, in particular teamwork, flexibility, communication and client-focus.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Age:

You must be at least 20 years old to apply.

Academic qualifications:

At the time of your application to the internship programme:

You should be currently enrolled AND on the 3rd (third) year or final year of your Bachelor’s degree;

OR

You should be currently enrolled in your second university degree, Master's or PhD degree or equivalent;

OR

You should have finished your Bachelor’s, Master's or PhD degree within the last 12 months (date of completion as indicated in diploma).

Applicants in technical/vocational assignments must be enrolled in a specialized technical/vocational institution and must have reached the last year of their studies, or have recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from their school or institution.

Languages:

You should have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of English or French. A working knowledge of the other language (English or French) is an asset, and may be required for internships in secretarial and assistantship assignments at the Headquarters.

Computer skills: You must have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.

Team player:

You should be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.

Communication skills:

You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO does not remunerate interns. There is no compensation, financial or otherwise for internship assignments.

Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship and an additional leave of 1 working day per complete month of internship.

Interns are provided with a limited workplace insurance coverage against risk of injury, illness, disability, or death incurred during the period of the internship and directly attributable to the execution of the internship.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Candidates shall apply to this vacancy notice (or any of the available vacancy notices that match their expertise, domain, or interest). Please note that you are applying to become part of the pool of intern candidates, not to a specific internship opening.

Candidates who successfully applied will stay in the intern talent pool and will be further assessed and selected by relevant hiring managers. The candidature will be valid for 6 months. Candidates who have been selected will be contacted directly by the relevant hiring manager. If the candidate does not receive any update from UNESCO within six months, it means that the application has not been successful.

KEEP IN MIND

• You will be asked to answer questions about your skills, competencies, experience (if any), and interests. You only have one hour to finish the process.

• Make sure your contact details will be valid in the next 6 months.

• You can only use either English or French in applying.

• Please provide an unofficial French or English translation of your documents if they are not in these languages.

• Even if you are eligible, there is no guarantee of placement. We receive more applications from qualified candidates than we can place.

• Please note that you are submitting your application to become part of the pool of internship candidates. Your application will be further accessed by UNESCO managers around the world and will stay in our internship portal for a period of six months.

• We do not respond to each and every candidate. If there is an internship opening and if you are selected, you will be directly contacted by the manager. If you do not receive any update within six months, it means that your application has not been successful.