UNESCO Internship In Communications & Public Engagement: A Gateway To Global Media And Diplomacy 2026
In today’s interconnected world, effective communication is at the heart of global cooperation and public understanding. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one of the world’s most influential multilateral institutions, is offering young professionals and graduate students a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international communications and public engagement.
Through its Communications and Public Engagement Internship Programme, UNESCO is seeking motivated individuals who are eager to contribute to its mission while sharpening their skills in media, digital platforms, branding, publishing, and outreach.
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This internship, based at UNESCO Headquarters, offers a duration of one to six months and is open to external candidates worldwide. Applications are accepted until 31 December 2025.
A Strategic Role within UNESCO
The Communications and Public Engagement Division works directly with the Office of the Director-General, ensuring that UNESCO’s global initiatives and values are communicated effectively to governments, partners, media, and the general public. This team leads the implementation of the organization’s communication strategy, ensuring that UNESCO’s activities across education, culture, science, and information are visible, accessible, and impactful.
Interns will support this mission by assisting in multiple communication domains, including social media campaigns, website management, press relations, photo and video production, branding, event organization, and publications. Their work will contribute to shaping UNESCO’s voice across traditional and digital platforms while strengthening its engagement with diverse audiences.
Key Tasks and Learning Opportunities
The Communications and Public Engagement Internship offers a rich variety of responsibilities, ensuring that interns gain hands-on experience across several media and outreach channels.
- Social Media and Digital Engagement: Interns will help design, draft, and edit content for global campaigns, newsletters, and social platforms. They will also be involved in graphic design, analytics, and video editing—essential skills for today’s communication professionals.
- Web Development and Content Management: Opportunities include creating and maintaining websites, drafting technical and editorial documentation, and working with SEO strategies. Interns may also assist in managing web content through systems such as Drupal or Trello, while applying design and programming knowledge to enhance user experience.
- Press and Media Relations: Interns may help draft press releases, prepare daily press briefings, update media mailing lists, and support high-level events. This offers an invaluable perspective into how an international organization engages with global media outlets.
- Photography and Publishing: From organizing image libraries to assisting with the UNESCO Courier magazine, interns will contribute to visual storytelling and branding. They may also support editorial processes, intellectual property considerations, and promotional campaigns for UNESCO publications.
- Educational and Public Engagement Events: Through initiatives such as UNESCO Campus conferences, interns will help organize online and on-site debates with students worldwide. They will liaise with participants, contribute to communication strategies, and enrich databases of global schools.
Professional Development and Competencies
This internship is designed to strengthen essential professional skills while offering direct exposure to the functioning of a UN body. Interns will develop competencies in:
- Project management and communications planning
- Writing and editing for international audiences
- Web architecture, content management, and SEO
- Press and media engagement strategies
- Graphic design and multimedia production
- Teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration
UNESCO also emphasizes personal growth, fostering interpersonal skills, creativity, and professionalism in a multicultural environment.
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Who Can Apply?
The internship programme is open to candidates meeting specific academic and professional criteria:
- Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
- Candidates should be currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) or have graduated within the past 12 months.
- Fields of study may include communications, journalism, digital media, translation, intellectual property law, or related disciplines.
- Excellent knowledge of English or French is required, with a working knowledge of the other considered an asset. Additional UN languages (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese) are highly desirable.
- Strong computer skills, including familiarity with design tools and content management systems, are necessary.
Applicants should also demonstrate adaptability, teamwork, strong interpersonal communication, and cultural sensitivity.
Benefits and Considerations
While UNESCO internships are unpaid, interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month. More importantly, the experience provides unparalleled exposure to the communications strategies of a global organization, hands-on mentorship, and the chance to build a professional network in international institutions.
It is important to note that acceptance into the programme does not guarantee placement. Selected applicants enter a talent pool, where their profiles may be reviewed by hiring managers for up to six months.
Why Apply?
For graduate students and young professionals aiming to pursue careers in international communications, journalism, public policy, or cultural diplomacy, this internship provides a vital stepping stone. Interns not only contribute directly to UNESCO’s global mission but also gain skills and insights that are highly transferable to future roles in international organizations, NGOs, media, and public institutions.
By joining the Communications and Public Engagement Division, interns become part of a team dedicated to strengthening UNESCO’s global voice—ensuring that education, culture, science, and freedom of expression remain central to building peace and sustainable development worldwide.
Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare a motivation letter and résumé before applying, as the application form must be completed within one hour. Applications must be submitted in English or French and include unofficial translations of documents if needed.
The deadline for applications is 31 December 2025 (midnight Paris time).
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Conclusion
This internship represents a rare opportunity to combine academic knowledge, creativity, and technical expertise with the prestige of working within UNESCO. By contributing to communication strategies that influence global awareness and cooperation, interns play a meaningful role in shaping a better-informed world.
For those seeking an international career in communications, this programme offers both the experience and inspiration to take that next step.
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