Join the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Internship: A Gateway to International Impact

Join the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Internship: A Gateway to International Impact

Dear students and Graduate Internship seekers, an opportunity you mustn’t miss ! Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about communication, media, and global engagement? Do you want to contribute to a world-class organization that plays a pivotal role in fostering global peace, education, and culture? The UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the organization, gain valuable experience, and assist in shaping communications strategies for international audiences. Here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional internship opportunity.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an international organization that promotes peace and security through global collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and territories, working with governments and partners to address global challenges, from sustainable development to cultural preservation. The internship program provides an entry point for those wishing to engage with UNESCO’s mandate while gaining hands-on experience in communication and public engagement.

Internship Overview

The internship is designed for individuals with a strong interest in communication, public relations, and media. Interns will support the Division for Communications and Public Engagement, which reports directly to the Office of the Director-General. This division plays a key role in developing UNESCO’s communication strategy, overseeing the organization’s presence across various media platforms, and ensuring visibility for UNESCO’s activities. As an intern, you’ll work on a variety of projects, from managing social media campaigns to assisting in press relations, media partnerships, and web content development.

Key Responsibilities

Interns in the Communications and Public Engagement division will be involved in a wide range of tasks, including:

Social Media & Digital Platforms

• Assist in the preparation of communication campaigns and social media strategies.
• Help draft, translate, or edit social media content and assets.
• Assist with graphic design for social media and digital platforms.
• Participate in on-site interviews and assist with post-production.
• Support the creation and distribution of newsletters.
• Help schedule editorial content for social media platforms and analyze social media performance.

Web Content

• Contribute to the development of new websites and web content.
• Edit and translate content for online platforms.
• Assist in creating SEO reports and optimizing online content.
• Help manage the web ecosystem, including technical tasks like web mastering and graphic design.

Press Relations & Media Engagement

• Translate press releases and media advisories.
• Assist with the preparation of daily press briefings.
• Prepare content for the press, send press releases, and manage press mailing lists.
• Support special on-site events related to media engagement.

Photography & Publishing

• Participate in shooting and post-production for media projects.
• Organize and catalog images for internal and external use.
• Assist with publications, photo research, and content sourcing for brochures and UNESCO branding projects.

Additional Tasks

• Assist in organizing thematic conferences for schools and educational events.
• Conduct research to enhance databases and communication strategies for UNESCO Campus initiatives.
• Help with internal quality control and administrative tasks for publication projects.

Learning Objectives

This internship offers more than just work experience—it’s an opportunity to develop critical skills and gain deeper knowledge in the following areas:

• Understanding UNESCO’s global initiatives and communications strategies.
• Developing web management, design, and SEO skills.
• Strengthening writing, editing, and translation abilities.
• Gaining experience with digital media tools and content management systems.
• Learning how to build and execute communications campaigns in an international setting.
• Enhancing teamwork and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
• Academic Qualifications: You must be currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) or have recently graduated within the last 12 months with a Master’s or PhD.
• Languages: You should be fluent in either English or French, with proficiency in the other language being an advantage. For certain assignments, knowledge of additional UN languages (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of office software and content management systems is required. Competency in Photoshop and Drupal is desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication abilities are essential.

Conditions of the Internship

• Duration: The internship can last between 1 to 6 months.
• Location: The internship will take place at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France.
• Compensation: Please note that this is an unpaid internship. However, UNESCO provides 2.5 days of leave per month during the internship.
• Visa and Travel: Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging their travel to the UNESCO headquarters.
• Health Insurance: Interns must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance valid for the duration of the internship.

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting internship, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your motivation letter and résumé before starting the application process.
2. Fill out the application form on the UNESCO internship portal. Remember, you will have one hour to complete the form once you begin.
3. Ensure your contact details are valid for the next six months.
4. You can submit your application in either English or French. If your documents are in a different language, please provide an unofficial translation.
5. Submit your application and wait for further communication. If selected, you will be contacted directly by a UNESCO manager.

Important Notes

• No Guarantee of Placement: Due to the competitive nature of the internship program, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee placement.
• Selection Process: Your application will be stored in the UNESCO internship portal for up to six months, and you will be contacted if you are selected.
• Application Deadline: The application period for this internship ends on 31 December 2025.

Why Intern at UNESCO?

An internship at UNESCO provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with professionals at the forefront of global communication and public engagement. It’s not only an excellent platform to build your career in communication but also a chance to contribute to the global efforts in education, culture, and peace. The skills and experiences gained during this internship will prepare you for a career in international relations, media, communication, and beyond.

If you’re eager to gain real-world experience while making an impact on the global stage, the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Internship is the perfect opportunity to launch your career. Apply now and start your journey with one of the world’s most influential organizations.

Deadline: 31 December 2025

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