UNESCO Internship Opportunity – Executive Board Secretariat
Explore a Career in Global Governance with a UNESCO Internship in Paris
UNESCO Internship Opportunity – Executive Board Secretariat.Are you a passionate graduate or post-graduate student interested in international governance, multilateral diplomacy, and policy research? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) invites applications for an exciting internship opportunity with the Executive Board Secretariat at its Paris Headquarters. Open to external candidates worldwide, this internship offers hands-on experience in high-level UN governance, strategic meeting coordination, research, and documentation processes. If you’re ready to enhance your knowledge of multilateral diplomacy while contributing to global education and cultural policies, this role could be your launchpad.
This internship is unpaid but offers invaluable learning exposure to United Nations systems, decision-making processes, and global policy implementation in a multicultural professional environment.
ALSO CHECK : Intern Wanted at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) | $22.50/Hour | Remote or Washington, DC
Deadline to apply: 31 December 2025
Background & Job Description
UNESCO is one of the foremost UN agencies dedicated to building peace through international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture. The Governing Bodies Secretariat (GBS) supports the Executive Board and General Conference—UNESCO’s main governing bodies—by organizing meetings, drafting documents, and enabling intergovernmental coordination.
Interns selected for this post will work under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary of the Executive Board and contribute directly to various core functions of the Secretariat, including reporting, research, briefings, session preparation, and logistical support. This internship is an ideal platform for those interested in global governance, diplomacy, international education, and public policy.
The post is based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, although hybrid/remote involvement in some tasks may be supported depending on team needs.
UNESCO Internship Opportunity – Executive Board Secretariat
Tasks
As part of the Executive Board Secretariat team, you will gain experience in global decision-making and UN governance by supporting a broad array of responsibilities, including:
1. Reports, Research & Briefings
- Attend working meetings and contribute to reports and briefings.
- Assist with the preparation of UNESCO information session summaries and related documents.
- Conduct research and draft analytical or summary notes on subjects relevant to the Governing Bodies Secretariat.
- Monitor international news related to UNESCO’s areas of work and alert supervisors to key developments.
2. Preparation of Sessions
- Support the organization of the Executive Board and General Conference sessions.
- Assist with the preparation, formatting, and review of meeting documentation, decisions, and summary records.
- Help in classifying, archiving, and managing statutory documentation for governance events.
3. Logistical & Organizational Support
- Participate in organizing session logistics from conceptualization to execution.
- Coordinate the distribution of meeting materials and ensure participants are informed of session details.
- Provide functional support during meetings to ensure the smooth running of sessions.
4. Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
- Contribute to other Secretariat duties during sessions, such as:
- Informal meetings
- Working group facilitation
- Preparation groups
- Assist in the day-to-day work of the Executive Board Secretariat, offering operational and communication support.
5. Learning Opportunities
- Interns will enhance their skills in:
- International diplomacy and protocol
- Understanding UN statutory documents
- Team integration in an international organization
- Multicultural communication
- Operational and strategic planning
Qualifications
UNESCO seeks motivated and capable candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Education and Certification
To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following academic conditions at the time of application:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent graduate program.
- Recently graduated (within the last 12 months) with a Master’s degree or PhD.
- Candidates applying for technical/professional internships (e.g., administrative assistant tasks) must:
- Be enrolled in a secretarial, assistantship, or specialized technical/professional institution, and
- Have reached their final year of study or graduated within the past 12 months.
Note: Individuals with only a completed bachelor’s degree who are not enrolled in a graduate program are not eligible.
Experience
- No formal work experience is required, but relevant experience in research, writing, or event planning is advantageous.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in international governance, education policy, or UN work is a plus.
Skills
The ideal candidate will bring the following skill set:
- Excellent written and spoken English or French; a working knowledge of the second language is highly desirable.
- Strong research and writing skills, particularly for analytical or policy content.
- Proficiency in office software tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of collaborative platforms such as SharePoint, MS Teams, or similar tools is beneficial.
- Ability to manage deadlines and multitask in a high-pressure environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work as part of an international team.
Additional Information
Contract Details
- Contract type: Internship (Non-remunerated)
- Duration: Minimum 1 month, maximum 6 months
- Duty Station: Paris, France (UNESCO Headquarters)
- Start Date: Internships may begin any time during the year, but selections are made in January and July.
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
Working Conditions
- UNESCO internships are unpaid.
- Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, health insurance, and visa arrangements (if applicable).
- Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month.
- Internships are full-time, with interns expected to work standard office hours.
- Selected candidates must not have previously participated in a UNESCO internship or be related to a current UNESCO staff member.
Selection & Recruitment Process
UNESCO’s Internship Programme is highly competitive. After submitting your application:
- Your profile will be reviewed and placed in a talent pool.
- Applications are reviewed by UNESCO hiring managers globally, depending on organizational needs.
- If selected, you will be contacted directly by the hiring manager.
- If not contacted within six months, you will need to reapply in the next cycle.
Application Instructions
To apply, follow these guidelines carefully:
- Submit your application via UNESCO’s official careers page.
- Prepare and upload the following:
- Updated resume or CV (in English or French).
- Motivation letter explaining your interest in the internship and your relevant experience.
- All applications must be submitted in English or French.
- Documents not in English or French must be unofficially translated.
- Ensure your contact details are valid for at least six months from submission.
⏳ Application Deadline: 31 December 2025 (Midnight, Paris Time)
Why Intern with UNESCO?
This is a rare opportunity to work directly at the heart of global governance in one of the United Nations’ most prestigious bodies. You’ll gain invaluable experience navigating international policy-making, engaging with high-level stakeholders, and applying your academic knowledge in real-world diplomatic settings. If you’re driven by global education, cultural cooperation, and public diplomacy, this internship will provide the exposure, mentoring, and learning environment to set you apart.
UNESCO Core Values
Interns are expected to uphold the following core values of UNESCO:
- Commitment to the Organization: Dedication to UNESCO’s mission and vision.
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards.
- Respect for Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
- Professionalism: Demonstrating reliability, competence, and accountability.
Top Keywords for SEO
UNESCO internship 2025, Paris internships 2025, United Nations internships, UN internship programme, graduate internship at UNESCO, governance internship Paris, education policy internship, global governance intern, Executive Board Secretariat UNESCO, unpaid UN internships, UNESCO jobs, international relations internship, policy internship UNESCO, apply UNESCO internship 2025
