UNESCO is offering internships in its Communication and Information Sector that last from one to six months, with placements possible at Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes around the world. This is not one fixed job in one office. It is a talent pool, so the exact duty station and work depend on the vacancy you are matched with.
Read this first, because it changes whether this opportunity is right for you: this internship is unpaid. UNESCO states clearly that interns receive no financial or other compensation, and travel and visa costs are the intern’s own responsibility. Plan how you will cover living costs, travel and insurance first.
What the placement looks like in practice
The Communication and Information Sector works on media, access to information, freedom of expression, media development and digital change, so the work is likely to sit close to communication tasks. The official page does not give one fixed list of daily duties, because duties depend on the team and duty station.
The unpaid reality, planned honestly
An unpaid placement can still be valuable, but only if the costs do not put you under pressure. Before you apply, work out the full cost: rent, food, local travel, health cover, visa fees and the flight. If the total is not affordable, wait for a paid opportunity rather than accepting a placement you cannot finish.
The duty station matters a great deal here, because living costs can differ sharply between offices. If you are offered a specific vacancy, check its location before you agree. For comparison, read our guides to the IMF Fund Internship Program and the UNICEF Internship Programme.
Who can apply
You must be at least 20 years old. On education, you must meet one of these conditions: you are in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree, you are enrolled in a second degree, a Master’s degree or a PhD, or you completed a qualifying degree within 12 months before the Internship Agreement is issued. If none of these describes you, this listing is not the right fit yet.
Language and computer skills are also required. You need excellent written and spoken English or French, plus strong computer and office-software skills: writing clearly, preparing documents, managing files and using common office tools without constant help. If your written English or French is still weak, build that skill first.
Check yourself honestly before you apply:
- You are at least 20 and meet one of the education conditions above.
- You can write and speak English or French to a strong professional standard.
- You are confident with computers and office software.
- You can cover travel, visa and living costs, because the internship is unpaid.
How to make a communication application stand out
Communication teams judge applicants by clarity, so your application is your first work sample. Write short sentences and answer the question asked. If a form asks why you want this sector, name a specific area, such as media development, and explain simply what you have already done in that area.
Proofread everything twice, and ask someone else to read it once if you can. Small errors matter more in a communication role, because the team may assume your application shows how carefully you would handle their material. Do not claim skills you do not have, and keep your CV short, with the most relevant study first.
Key details at a glance
| Detail | What the official page states |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO, Communication and Information Sector |
| Length | 1 to 6 months |
| Duty stations | Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes worldwide, depending on the vacancy |
| Minimum age | 20 |
| Pay | Unpaid; no financial or other compensation, and travel and visa costs are the intern’s responsibility |
| Language | Excellent written and spoken English or French |
| Deadline | 31 December, midnight; timezone not stated on the official page |
How to apply
Apply online through the official UNESCO Careers portal, using the link below. Read the full vacancy carefully first, including the duty station, because this talent-pool listing covers more than one possible placement. Prepare your CV before you begin, and submit well before 31 December, since the official page does not state a timezone for the midnight deadline.
Who should probably wait instead
This internship is a poor fit if you need paid work right now, if you cannot cover travel and living costs, or if you do not yet meet the education conditions. It is also a poor fit if you need a guaranteed duty station in one city. If a paid United Nations internship suits you better, the UNFPA Global Internship Roster is worth reading as a comparison. Note also that the official page does not state a selection timeline, so do not expect a fixed reply date.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector internship paid?
A: No. The official listing states that interns receive no financial or other compensation, and travel and visa costs are the intern’s responsibility.
Q: How long does the internship last?
A: Placements last from one to six months, depending on the vacancy.
Q: Where would I be placed?
A: Placements can be at Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes worldwide, depending on the vacancy.
Q: What education do I need?
A: You must be at least 20 and be in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a second degree, a Master’s degree or a PhD, or have completed a qualifying degree within 12 months before the Internship Agreement is issued.
Q: What is the deadline?
A: The deadline is 31 December, at midnight. The official page does not state a timezone, so submit well before that date.
This can be a strong step for a student or recent graduate who wants real experience in international communication, provided the unpaid terms are understood from the start. Check your eligibility, weigh the costs, and apply with a clear, careful application.
