UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internships 2026

UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internship 2026 | Paris & Global

The UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Internship 2026 is now accepting applications. Applications for full-time internship positions at UNESCO's Paris headquarters, field offices, and specialized institutes are being accepted from dynamic students and recent graduates worldwide. This esteemed program provides young professionals with a singular opportunity to obtain practical experience in international project management, high-level research, and global policymaking within UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS).

Table of Contents

1. ​Internship Overview
2. ​Specialized Focus Areas
3. ​Eligibility Criteria
4. ​Key Roles & Responsibilities
5. ​Benefits & Privileges
6. ​Required Application Documents
7. ​How to Apply

​Internship Overview

• ​Host Organization: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
  • Unit: Social & Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
  • ​Location: Paris (HQ), Field Offices, & Specialized Institutes Worldwide
  • ​Duration: 1 to 6 Months (Full-Time)
  • ​Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

  ​Specialized Focus Areas

  ​Selected interns will be placed within one of the following critical operational tracks of the SHS sector:

  • ​Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics
  • ​Human Rights & Public Policy
  • ​Youth Empowerment & Engagement
  • ​Gender Equality & Social Transformation
  • ​Global Citizenship & Intercultural Dialogue

  Eligibility Criteria

  ​To qualify for the UNESCO Global Internship Program, candidates must fulfill the following formal metrics:

  • ​Nationality: Open to all nationals globally. (Individuals from non- and underrepresented UN member states are highly encouraged to apply).
  • ​Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
  • ​Academic Standing:
    • ​Currently enrolled in the 3rd or final year of an undergraduate degree program, or pursuing a Master’s or PhD.
    • ​Alternatively, must have graduated with a recognized degree within the last 12 months.
  • ​Fields of Study: Social sciences, public policy, international relations, law, human rights, sociology, communication studies, AI, technology, or related interdisciplinary fields.
  • ​Core Skills: Excellent communication, cross-cultural teamwork abilities, and strong analytical capacity.

  ​Key Roles & Responsibilities

  By carrying out the following tasks, interns will actively support the structural initiatives of the SHS sector:

• researching policies and examining social trends around the world.

• creating working documents, policy briefs, and official reports.

• helping to organize high-level meetings, webinars, and international workshops.

• assisting with strategic advocacy workflows and field office operations.

• creating working documents, policy briefs, and official reports.

• helping to organize high-level meetings, webinars, and international workshops.

• assisting with strategic advocacy workflows and field office operations.

•  

   

  ​Benefits & Privileges

  • ​unparalleled exposure at a top UN organization.
  • Direct networking opportunities with international policymakers, diplomats, and experts from around the world.
  • practical understanding of public policy and governance mechanisms.
  • 2.5 days of leave are accrued each month as part of the leave allowance.
  • During the assignment, limited health and workplace insurance coverage was offered.

  ​Required Application Documents

  ​Candidates must prepare and upload the following documentation during the online phase:

  1. ​Filling out the Online Application
  2. Revised Professional Resume
  3. Customized Cover Letter
  4. Evidence of Graduation Certificate or Degree Enrollment
  5. Official Transcripts of Education
  6. A copy of a valid passport or national ID

  ​How to Apply

  ​The application process is conducted entirely online through the official UNESCO career portal.

  1. ​Click the link to the official UNESCO application portal.
  2. Create a candidate profile by registering.
  3. Fill out the necessary application fields, making sure that all of the data matches your academic records.
  4. In the designated formats, upload your resume, cover letter, and any supporting documentation, then submit.

  ​Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

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