The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is offering an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on international experience through its Internship Programme in Social and Human Sciences (SHS).
Open until 30 June 2026, this internship places successful candidates at UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices, or Institutes, providing a unique platform to contribute to global policy, research, and advocacy while developing professional and personal skills in a multicultural environment.
This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about human rights, ethics, social inclusion, youth empowerment, artificial intelligence, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development. By joining UNESCO’s SHS Sector, interns become part of a global mission to foster inclusive, peaceful, and ethical societies.
About UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector plays a vital role in advancing the organization’s humanist mission. The sector focuses on addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including violence, racism, discrimination, gender inequality, social exclusion, and unethical technological development.
Also Read:Join IMO For Editorial Assistant-2026 Apply Now
SHS works through research, capacity-building, and advocacy to support inclusive governance, social cohesion, and ethical innovation. A key priority of the sector is the ethical governance of science and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in line with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI—the first global normative framework of its kind.
The sector operates primarily through two divisions:
- Division for Social Policies (SHS/SOP)
- Division for Research, Ethics, and Inclusion (SHS/REI)
Interns are placed according to their academic background, interests, and the operational needs of these divisions.
Internship Overview
- Position: Internship – Social and Human Sciences
- Duty Stations: UNESCO Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes
- Contract Type: Internship
- Duration: 1 to 6 months
- Recruitment: External candidates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (Midnight, Paris Time)
UNESCO operates under core values of Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism, which guide all its work and professional relationships.
Areas of Work and Key Themes
Interns in the SHS Sector are exposed to a wide range of thematic areas that reflect UNESCO’s interdisciplinary approach. These include:
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Ethics of Science and Technology
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics
- Intercultural Dialogue and Inclusion
- Youth Engagement and Empowerment
- Sport for Development and Peace
- Anti-Racism and Gender Equality
- Disability Inclusion and Safe Sport
- Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding
SHS also leads initiatives such as the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme, which promotes evidence-based policymaking and inclusive governance, and supports integrity in sport through the International Convention against Doping in Sport.
It is important to note that this internship does not involve UNESCO’s external communications, which are handled by a separate division.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The specific tasks assigned to interns vary depending on the division, location, and project needs. However, interns generally support the sector’s mission by contributing to:
- Research and analysis on social and ethical issues
- Development of policy briefs and background papers
- Support for capacity-building and advocacy initiatives
- Assistance in organizing meetings, workshops, and consultations
- Project monitoring, documentation, and reporting
Each intern receives specific Terms of Reference and clearly defined learning objectives as part of their contract.
For more info and job details
Join United Nations Opportunities WhatsApp Channel
Learning Objectives and Professional Development
The UNESCO SHS Internship is designed as a learning-by-doing experience. Interns gain:
- Practical exposure to international project management
- Insight into multilateral and global policymaking processes
- Experience in research, policy analysis, and report writing
- Understanding of how international organizations set standards and influence policy
- Skills in stakeholder engagement and teamwork in a multicultural setting
Beyond technical knowledge, interns also strengthen essential soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, planning, professionalism, and work ethics.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age
- Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
Academic Background
Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- Currently enrolled in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree
- Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme
- Graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree within the last 12 months
Students in technical or vocational institutions must be in their final year or have graduated within the last 12 months.
Language Skills
- Excellent written and spoken English or French is required
- Knowledge of the second language is an advantage
Additional Requirements
- Strong computer and office software skills
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international team
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Benefits and Entitlements
While the internship is unpaid, UNESCO provides several non-financial benefits:
- 2.5 days of leave per month, plus an additional day for each complete month of internship
- Limited workplace insurance coverage for injury, illness, disability, or death related to internship duties
Applicants should ensure they have sufficient financial means to cover living and travel expenses during the internship period.
Selection and Recruitment Process
Applicants apply to join UNESCO’s internship talent pool, not to a specific position. Successful candidates remain in the pool for six months, during which hiring managers across UNESCO may select interns for available assignments.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If no update is received within six months, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Applicants should also note:
- The application must be completed within one hour
- Applications must be submitted in English or French only
- Supporting documents must be translated into English or French if necessary
- There is no guarantee of placement, even if eligibility criteria are met
Why Apply for a UNESCO SHS Internship?
A UNESCO internship is more than just work experience—it is an opportunity to contribute to global solutions, engage with leading experts, and build a career foundation rooted in ethics, inclusion, and international cooperation. For aspiring policy professionals, researchers, and development practitioners, this internship offers invaluable exposure to the inner workings of the United Nations system.
