Recently Announced Information about the UNESCO Internship Programme
Dear students and graduate internship seekers, looking for an opportunity at UNESCO, we are here to give you information about the UNESCO Internship Programme. But before we dwell on that, you need to know more about UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture. Its headquarters is in Paris, France. For many young upcoming professionals passionate about the world of diplomacy/global affairs/international relations/foreign policy/sustainable development/international development, you need to start somewhere as you build your career. Oftentimes, I have encountered many young people lacking sufficient information about discovering UN internships, the processes involved how to apply etc. With that in mind, today’s article focuses on one of the UN’s agencies, UNESCO. I will enlighten you on the eligibility criteria, how to apply and where to apply.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the UNESCO Internship Programme
- One must be at least 20 years old.
- Currently enrolled in a graduate programme, i.e., a Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent, second University degree or higher
- A recent graduate of any of the above and should start the internship 12 months before.
- Candidates who completed their university studies but are not enrolled in graduate programmes are not eligible for application.
Language Requirements
- Excellent written and spoken English or French
- Working knowledge of the other language is highly desirable and this is likely required in secretarial and assistantship internships at the HQ.
Skills required
- Knowledge of computer systems and office-related software such as Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work in teams, able to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to International working environment.
- Strong Interpersonal personal and professional skills
Length of Internship
- 1-6 months
Travelling Arrangements and Accommodation
- You should get a visa (UNESCO may issue a letter of support)
- You must produce proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in the country where you will undertake the internship.
Medical insurance
- You must show proof of a comprehensive health insurance valid in the country where you will undertake your internship and for the entire period of the internship. UNESCO will only provide limited insurance coverage up to USD 30,000 against risk of illness, disability, or death during the internship period.
Medical certificate:
- Before the beginning of your internship, you must provide a medical certificate indicating you are fit to work. Please note that a Medical Certificate should be issued by a qualified medical practitioner, and you should NOT submit any of your medical records which is confidential (Results of tests, X-ray films etc.).
Supporting Documents
- Before the beginning of your internship, you must provide your ID/Certificate of Enrolment/Diploma (if you have just recently graduated).
Leave:
- Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship.
Before applying:
- Have your motivation letter and résumé ready before filling out the application form. 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.
- You are allowed to submit only one application.
- UNESCO does not remunerate interns. There is no compensation, financial or otherwise for internship assignments.
- Even if you are eligible, there is no guarantee of placement. We receive more applications from qualified candidates than we can place.
- Your application will be further accessed by UNESCO mangers around the world and will stay in our internship portal for a period of six months.
- We do not respond to every candidate. If 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.
