The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) continues to offer exceptional opportunities for young professionals seeking meaningful careers in humanitarian and data-driven work. One such opportunity is the Database and Analysis Intern position based in Rome, Italy, within UNHCR’s Division of External Relations.
UNHCR Internship 2026: Database and Analysis Intern in Rome, Italy
This full-time internship provides hands-on experience at the intersection of data management, fundraising strategy, and humanitarian impact, making it an ideal stepping stone for students and recent graduates with strong analytical interests.
With millions of people worldwide forced to flee conflict and persecution, UNHCR relies heavily on data to inform decisions, mobilize resources, and strengthen support for refugees and displaced populations. This internship plays a critical role in ensuring that high-quality data supports these life-saving efforts.
About the Internship Placement
The Database and Analysis Intern will join the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Unit in Italy, specifically within the PSP Database and Analysis team. This team is responsible for managing UNHCR Italy’s database and customer relationship management (CRM) infrastructure, overseeing data quality, analysis, and system support for fundraising and partnership activities.
The internship is supervised by the CRM Manager (PSP Individual Giving Associate – Database & Analysis), who will provide continuous guidance, define work objectives, and ensure professional development throughout the assignment. The role is designed to give the intern practical exposure to real-world data operations within a large international organization.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The internship focuses primarily on data management, analysis, and quality assurance. The selected candidate will support the delivery of reports and analytical insights by conducting data queries, selections, and evaluations to assist ongoing projects.
A major component of the role involves supporting the Salesforce CRM implementation, including data quality checks, preparation for data migration, and user acceptance testing to ensure systems are fit for purpose. The intern will also assist with routine data entry and database maintenance to keep donor and supporter information accurate and up to date.
Additional responsibilities include collecting, cleaning, and managing data from multiple sources, assisting in the development of database management procedures, and supporting periodic data reconciliation tasks. The intern will conduct data cleansing activities to identify and merge duplicate records, improving the overall accuracy of the donor database using CRM tools and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
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The role also involves research activities such as background research and literature reviews upon request. Using statistical tools and software, the intern will help identify trends and patterns, prepare reports, and develop presentations based on data analysis. Collaboration is central to the position, as the intern will work closely with team members across departments and provide general administrative support when needed.
Eligibility and Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this internship, candidates must be current students or recent graduates, having completed their studies within the last two years. Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR’s work, such as data analysis, information systems, economics, statistics, social sciences, or related disciplines.
Candidates with close family members employed by UNHCR are not eligible for the internship, in line with organizational policies.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
UNHCR is looking for candidates with a strong interest in data analysis and database management. Familiarity with CRM platforms such as Salesforce and data tools including Excel, SQL, Python, Google Sheets, BigQuery, or Power BI is highly desirable.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential. Adaptability and critical thinking are also important, as priorities and tasks may evolve. Since the intern will liaise with external service providers, proficiency in Italian is required. English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy, and all applications must be completed in English.
Working Conditions and Allowance
This is a full-time, on-site internship based in Rome, with working hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, totaling 37.5 hours per week. The target start date is 1 February 2026.
Interns who do not receive financial support from an external source will be provided with a monthly allowance to help cover food, local transportation, and basic living expenses. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.
Selection Process and Ethical Standards
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The assessment process includes a written test followed by an oral interview for those who pass the initial stage. UNHCR is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and applications are welcomed regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. All selected candidates will undergo mandatory background and clearance checks. Importantly, UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Why Apply?
This internship offers a rare opportunity to combine technical data skills with humanitarian impact. By supporting fundraising and public engagement efforts, the Database and Analysis Intern directly contributes to UNHCR’s mission of protecting displaced populations worldwide. For aspiring data professionals who want their work to make a difference, this internship provides invaluable experience within a globally respected organization.
