The United Nations Children’s Fund is now accepting applications for the Youth Engagement Internship under the Youth Partnerships and Programmes Secretariat of Generation Unlimited. This highly competitive international internship opportunity offers young professionals and graduate students the chance to contribute to global youth empowerment initiatives while working remotely with one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations.
The internship is hosted under UNICEF’s Global Programme Division and is based in New York Headquarters (NYHQ), although the role will be carried out remotely on a full-time basis for a duration of 26 weeks.
UNICEF is recruiting two interns to support key areas within Generation Unlimited’s global youth engagement and innovation ecosystem. The opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about youth development, entrepreneurship, international development, education, policy, and social impact.
Applications close on 08 June 2026 (Eastern Daylight Time).
About UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund operates in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide, working to protect children’s rights, improve access to education and healthcare, respond to emergencies, and support young people in reaching their full potential.
UNICEF’s mission centers on ensuring every child survives, thrives, learns, and is protected from harm. The organization works closely with governments, communities, civil society organizations, and international partners to create sustainable change for children and youth globally.
The organization is recognized internationally for its commitment to:
- Child protection
- Education
- Health and nutrition
- Youth empowerment
- Emergency response
- Social inclusion
- Gender equality
- Sustainable development
UNICEF also places strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, innovation, and youth participation in global decision-making processes.
What is Generation Unlimited (GenU)?
Generation Unlimited is a global partnership initiative launched by UNICEF alongside public and private sector organizations.
The initiative focuses on expanding opportunities for young people aged 10–24 by helping them access:
- Education
- Skills training
- Employment
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Digital inclusion
- Social participation
Generation Unlimited aims to ensure that every young person can transition successfully from learning to earning by the year 2030.
The initiative particularly prioritizes vulnerable and marginalized youth groups, including:
- Girls and young women
- Youth living in poverty
- Young people with disabilities
- Migrants and displaced youth
- Youth affected by conflicts
- Youth impacted by climate disasters and emergencies
GenU brings together:
- Governments
- United Nations agencies
- Private sector organizations
- Academic institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Youth-led groups
- Investors
- Development partners
The partnership works to identify, scale, and support innovative youth-centered solutions globally.
UNICEF Youth Engagement Internship 2026 Overview
Internship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNICEF |
| Programme | Generation Unlimited (GenU) |
| Internship Type | Full-time Remote Internship |
| Duration | 26 weeks |
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Location | Remote / New York HQ |
| Functional Areas | Communication, Partnerships, Fundraising |
| Application Deadline | 08 June 2026 |
Available Internship Positions
UNICEF is offering internship opportunities across two major hubs within Generation Unlimited.
1. Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Hub
This position focuses on youth participation, entrepreneurship programming, and youth-centered innovation initiatives.
Intern responsibilities include:
Youth Engagement
- Supporting meaningful youth engagement strategies
- Assisting the Young People’s Action Team globally and regionally
- Supporting implementation of the Youth Centrality Strategy
- Gathering feedback from marginalized youth groups
- Helping integrate youth perspectives into programme design
Entrepreneurship Programming
- Assisting entrepreneurship-focused initiatives
- Supporting mentorship sessions and workshops
- Helping young entrepreneurs build skills
- Facilitating connections with strategic partners
Programme Support
- Supporting youth-led programme implementation
- Aligning projects with GenU strategic priorities
- Assisting entrepreneurship and youth empowerment programmes
Advocacy and Outreach
- Developing blogs and digital advocacy materials
- Amplifying youth voices within GenU initiatives
- Supporting youth participation in advocacy forums
2. Global Solutions Hub
This internship focuses on strategic planning, learning-to-earning initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Responsibilities include:
Global Solutions Portfolio
- Supporting resources for UNICEF Country Offices
- Assisting Learning-to-Earning programming initiatives
- Supporting GenU programme deployment globally
Strategic Planning
- Assisting the development of GenU’s 2026–2029 strategic plan
- Supporting country consultations
- Drafting technical notes and planning documents
- Contributing to strategic reviews
Knowledge Sharing
- Developing reports and blogs
- Supporting peer-to-peer learning initiatives
- Assisting webinars and thought leadership activities
- Supporting online learning platforms and global youth networks
General Responsibilities of Interns
All interns will also support broader operational and programmatic activities, including:
Collaboration
- Working closely with GenU programme teams
- Coordinating with external partners
- Supporting integrated programme delivery
Research and Analysis
- Conducting research on youth development trends
- Analyzing entrepreneurship and innovation issues
- Supporting evidence-based strategy development
Administrative Support
- Organizing meetings
- Maintaining programme documentation
- Supporting logistical coordination
The internship offers practical experience in:
- International development
- Programme management
- Youth engagement
- Policy support
- Global partnerships
- Advocacy
- Research
- Communication
Benefits of the UNICEF Internship
Selected interns will gain access to numerous professional development opportunities.
Key Benefits Include:
- Hands-on international work experience
- Opportunity to work with UNICEF and global partners
- Exposure to international youth development initiatives
- Professional networking opportunities
- Experience in global programme implementation
- Flexible remote working arrangements
- Leave entitlement
- Reasonable accommodation support for persons with disabilities
- Exposure to high-level global policy discussions
- Skill development in research, advocacy, communication, and strategy
The internship also provides a strong foundation for careers in:
- International development
- Public policy
- Youth advocacy
- Humanitarian work
- Social innovation
- Entrepreneurship support
- Global partnerships
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the UNICEF Youth Engagement Internship 2026, applicants must meet several academic and professional criteria.
Applicants Must:
- Be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate academic programme
- Study fields such as:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Education
- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- International Development
- Other related disciplines
Applicants Should Also Have:
- Interest or experience in youth development and engagement
- Experience working with adolescents and youth programmes
- Understanding of humanitarian or development contexts
- Some volunteer or professional experience in youth-focused work
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to prepare concept notes and pitch decks
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
UNICEF strongly prefers candidates with:
- Knowledge of research and qualitative analysis
- Experience with knowledge management
- Data visualization skills
- Experience participating in youth advisory bodies
- Interest in GenU programme areas
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage, including:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Proof of university enrollment or recent graduation
- Official academic transcript
- Valid identification card
- Signed recommendation letter
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the internship duration
UNICEF’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNICEF emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its recruitment process.
The organization welcomes applicants regardless of:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Gender identity
- Disability
- Nationality
- Religion
- Socio-economic background
- Sexual orientation
UNICEF also maintains strict safeguarding and protection standards and conducts rigorous background checks on selected candidates.
Important Internship Notes
Applicants should note the following:
- The internship does not guarantee future employment with UNICEF.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Health insurance is mandatory.
- UNICEF may withdraw internship offers if required documentation is not provided.
- Selected candidates must comply with UNICEF safeguarding policies.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 08 June 2026 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants can learn more and apply through the official UNICEF careers platform
For more information on this internship visit here
Discover more internship opportunities on OFY, click here
