UNICEF Internship 2026: Office of the Executive Director (OED), New York HQ

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW OUR LINKEDIN PAGE

About UNICEF

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working tirelessly to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them reach their full potential—from early childhood through adolescence.

Driven by purpose and impact, UNICEF promotes the rights of every child and builds a diverse, inclusive workplace where individuals can grow while contributing to meaningful global change.

About the Office of the Executive Director (OED)

The Office of the Executive Director (OED) plays a central leadership role within UNICEF, providing vision, management, and oversight across the organization.

It focuses on:

Strengthening accountability and results
Building strategic partnerships
Enhancing programme quality and reach
Promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful organizational culture

The OED drives UNICEF’s mission forward by setting strategic priorities and ensuring effective leadership at the highest level.

Internship Overview

This internship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with UNICEF’s senior leadership and gain firsthand experience in executive coordination, research, and knowledge management.

Job Title: Internship – Office of the Executive Director (OED)
Location: New York Headquarters, United States
Closing Date: 20 April 2026
Contract Type: Internship (3 Months)
Job Reference: 591634
Organization: UNICEF

As an intern, you will support the Front Office and contribute to the preparation and documentation of the Executive Director’s global engagements and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Coordination & Research

Support the Executive Specialist and Front Office in conducting research
Compile background materials for high-level external engagements
Assist in preparing briefings, documents, and background notes

Knowledge & Information Management

Organize and manage information related to executive engagements
Summarize key outcomes and results for documentation and reporting
Support the development and improvement of knowledge management systems
Prepare guidance materials for internal use

Administrative & Strategic Support

Assist with coordination tasks within the Executive Director’s Office
Contribute to improving workflows and information-sharing processes
Provide general support to ensure smooth functioning of executive operations

Expected Impact

Through this internship, you will:

Gain exposure to high-level leadership and decision-making processes
Strengthen your research, writing, and organizational skills
Contribute to the effectiveness of UNICEF’s global engagements
Build experience in executive office operations within an international organization

Eligibility Requirements

Education

Candidates must:

Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programme, or
Have graduated within the past two years

Relevant fields include:

Law
International Relations
Politics
Communications
Management
Or related disciplines

Work Experience

6 months to 1 year of relevant experience in:
- Project management
- Executive support
- Communications and writing
- Knowledge or data management

Skills & Competencies

Strong writing, drafting, and communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management abilities
Ability to work under pressure with discretion and professionalism
Strong analytical thinking and initiative
Familiarity with knowledge management tools (e.g., SharePoint) is an advantage

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required

Core Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Ability to build and maintain partnerships
Self-awareness and ethical integrity
Results-driven mindset
Adaptability and openness to change
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Collaboration and teamwork

Diversity & Inclusion

UNICEF is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, gender, disability, or identity.

The organization ensures equal opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Safeguarding & Ethical Standards

UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against:

Sexual exploitation and abuse
Harassment and discrimination
Abuse of authority

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background and reference checks to ensure adherence to these standards.

Important Information

Medical clearance and required vaccinations are mandatory
Visa requirements must be fulfilled where applicable
UNICEF does not charge any recruitment or application fees
Government employees must resign before joining UNICEF
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW OUR LINKEDIN PAGE

Why Apply?

This internship provides a rare opportunity to work at the heart of UNICEF’s leadership, contributing to global strategies that impact millions of children worldwide.

Apply Here

If you are passionate about international development and want to gain elite-level experience in executive operations, this role is an excellent stepping stone for your career.