UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO was founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. UNESCO has 194 member states and 12 associate members, as well as partners in the non-governmental, intergovernmental, and private sectors. UNESCO’s headquarters are in Paris, France, but it also has 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions.
The 2024 UNESCO Internship Program is a learning opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and knowledge about UNESCO’s mandate, programs, and processes. The internship program is open to external candidates who meet the following criteria:
Age
The applicant must be at least 20 years old to apply.
Academic qualifications
You must be currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher) or have recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from such a program. A secretarial school or specialized technical/professional training is required for secretarial/assistant or technical/professional roles. You must be either in your last year or have graduated within the previous 12 months from your school or program.
Languages
You must be proficient in both written and spoken, English or French. A working knowledge of the other language is an added advantage and may be required for some assignments.
Computer skills
You must have an excellent knowledge of computer operation systems and office-related software (such as Microsoft Office Suite).
Team player
You must be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.
Communication skills
You must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
The duration of the internship is from one to six months, depending on the availability of the intern and the needs of the host unit. The intern is responsible for obtaining any necessary visas, arranging and financing their travel, and providing proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in the country of the internship. During the internship, UNESCO’s insurance will cover the intern for up to USD 30,000 in case of illness, disability, or death. The intern can also have 2.5 days of leave each month of their internship.
The internship program covers various sectors and bureaus of UNESCO, such as education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, communication/information, office of the Director-General, governing bodies secretariat, internal oversight services, digital business solutions, gender equality, and intergovernmental oceanographic commission. The intern will be assigned to a specific unit based on their academic background, skills, and interests. The intern will be expected to perform tasks such as research, analysis, drafting, reporting, translation, data entry, web design, event organization, and administrative support.
The application process for the 2024 UNESCO Internship Program is online and consists of the following steps:
- Create an account on the UNESCO Careers website and complete your profile.
- Search for internship opportunities that match your qualifications and preferences.
- Submit your application by attaching your CV and a motivation letter.
- Wait for the confirmation email and the status update of your application.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted by the host unit for an interview.
- If you are selected, you will receive an offer letter and a contract to sign.
- Prepare for your internship by completing the required documents and formalities.
The application deadline for the 2024 UNESCO Internship Program is 30 June 2024. However, some units may have different deadlines, so it is advisable to check the specific vacancy notice for more details. You can also find more information about the internship program on the UNESCO website or by contacting the Internship Coordinator at internship@unesco.org.
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