Position Overview
UNESCO is inviting applications for its Communications and Public Engagement Internship Programme. This exciting opportunity allows students and recent graduates to contribute to global communication initiatives while developing valuable professional skills in an international and multicultural environment.
Job Title: Communications and Public Engagement Intern
Organization: UNESCO
Contract Type: Internship
Duration: 1 to 6 Months
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (Midnight Paris Time)
Compensation: Unpaid Internship
Fields: Communications, Digital Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Publishing, Social Media, Web Content
As an intern, you will support UNESCO’s Division for Communications and Public Engagement, which reports directly to the Office of the Director-General and oversees the organization’s communication strategy across digital, print, media, and public engagement platforms.
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About the Division for Communications and Public Engagement
The Division for Communications and Public Engagement is responsible for coordinating and delivering UNESCO’s communications activities worldwide. The division manages external and internal communications, social media channels, media relations, public campaigns, events, publications, partnerships, and digital platforms.
Interns will work alongside experienced communications professionals and contribute to projects that enhance the visibility of UNESCO’s mission and global impact.
Internship Areas and Responsibilities
Depending on your skills, experience, and interests, you may contribute to one or more of the following areas.
Social Media and Digital Communications
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting communication and social media campaigns.
- Drafting, editing, and translating social media content.
- Assisting with graphic design for digital platforms.
- Supporting video production, filming, and post-production activities.
- Creating newsletters and digital communication materials.
- Managing editorial calendars and content scheduling.
- Monitoring social media performance and analytics.
Web and Digital Platforms
Interns may assist with:
- Creating and updating websites.
- Editing and translating web content.
- Preparing technical and editorial documentation.
- Uploading content using content management systems.
- Conducting audience and communication impact analysis.
- Supporting SEO reporting and website optimization.
- Web design, web mastering, and digital content management.
- Maintaining and improving UNESCO’s digital ecosystem.
Press and Media Relations
Responsibilities may include:
- Translating press releases and media advisories.
- Preparing daily media briefings.
- Supporting media outreach activities.
- Updating media contact databases.
- Assisting with press events and media coverage.
- Supporting journalists and communications teams during special events.
Photography and Multimedia
Interns may contribute by:
- Participating in photography assignments.
- Supporting photo editing and post-production.
- Organizing and cataloguing image libraries.
- Assisting with multimedia content creation.
Publishing and Branding
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting publication development projects.
- Conducting image and photo research.
- Assisting with UNESCO branding initiatives.
- Supporting intellectual property rights and licensing activities.
- Managing publication quality control processes.
- Assisting with permissions and copyright requests.
UNESCO Campuses Programme
Interns may:
- Support the organization of online and in-person educational events.
- Coordinate with schools and educational institutions worldwide.
- Conduct research and database management activities.
- Assist in communication strategy development.
- Create content for social media and UNESCO Campus platforms.
UNESCO Courier Magazine
Opportunities include:
- Supporting article selection, editing, and publication.
- Assisting with translation and digital publishing.
- Communicating with partners and contributors.
- Supporting readership growth initiatives.
- Assisting with marketing and promotional activities.
- Contributing to distribution network development.
OTHER INTERNSHIPS:
Learning Opportunities
This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop professional experience in an international organization while building practical skills in:
- Strategic Communications
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Public Relations
- Content Creation
- Web Architecture
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Publishing and Editorial Work
- Media Relations
- Graphic Design
- Project Management
- International Collaboration
Interns will also strengthen their communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills while working in a multicultural environment.
Required Qualifications
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
Educational Requirements
At the time of application, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled in the third year or final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme.
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme.
- Have graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree within the last 12 months.
Students enrolled in technical or vocational institutions may also apply if they are in their final year of study or have graduated within the previous 12 months.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent written and spoken English or French.
A working knowledge of the other language is considered an advantage and may be required for some internship assignments.
Technical Skills
Successful candidates should possess:
- Excellent computer literacy.
- Strong knowledge of office software and digital tools.
- Ability to work with online communication platforms and content management systems.
Essential Competencies
UNESCO seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Planning and Organization
- Results Orientation
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Learning
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications will be considered advantageous:
Education
- Master’s degree in:
- Communication
- Journalism
- Digital Media
- Translation
- Intellectual Property Law
- Environmental Studies
- Related disciplines
Additional Languages
Knowledge of another United Nations official language:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
- Spanish
Technical Skills
- Adobe Photoshop proficiency.
- Knowledge of Drupal.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Creativity and attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal abilities.
Benefits and Entitlements
While UNESCO internships are unpaid, participants receive several valuable benefits, including:
- Hands-on experience within a United Nations agency.
- Exposure to international communications and public engagement activities.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Skill development and career-building experience.
- Workplace insurance coverage during the internship period.
- Leave entitlement of 2.5 days per month, plus one additional working day for each completed month of internship.
Selection Process
Applicants are applying to join UNESCO’s internship talent pool rather than a specific internship placement.
Successful candidates will remain in the internship database for six months and may be contacted directly by UNESCO hiring managers when suitable opportunities arise.
The selection process may include:
- Review of qualifications and experience.
- Assessment of skills and competencies.
- Evaluation by UNESCO managers based on organizational needs.
Due to the high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Important Information for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should note:
- Applications must be completed in either English or French.
- The application process must be completed within one hour.
- Contact information should remain valid for at least six months.
- Unofficial translations of documents must be provided if original documents are not in English or French.
- Eligibility does not guarantee internship placement.
- Applications remain active in UNESCO’s internship database for six months.
