Are you a student or recent graduate looking to gain practical experience in fundraising, donor relations, communications, philanthropy, marketing, and humanitarian work? The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Canada is offering an exciting opportunity through its Private Partnerships and Philanthropy (PPH) Internship Program 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
This full-time internship provides aspiring professionals with the chance to work directly with one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations while contributing to initiatives that support refugees and forcibly displaced people around the globe.
The internship offers hands-on exposure to fundraising operations, donor stewardship, event management, communications, research, database administration, and analytics. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced fundraising professionals and gain valuable real-world experience in the non-profit and international development sectors.
Application Deadline: June 25, 2026
About UNHCR
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is the leading global organization dedicated to protecting and assisting people forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence, persecution, and humanitarian crises.
Established in 1950 following World War II, UNHCR has grown into a worldwide humanitarian network operating in more than 135 countries. The organization has helped millions of displaced individuals rebuild their lives and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice for its humanitarian contributions.
Today, UNHCR supports more than 80 million displaced people worldwide by providing:
- Emergency shelter
- Food assistance
- Clean water
- Protection services
- Legal support
- Access to education
- Healthcare services
- Advocacy for human rights and dignity
The Canadian office forms part of this global network and plays an important role in fundraising, partnerships, donor engagement, and public awareness initiatives.
Internship Overview
Position Details
- Position Title: Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Intern
- Organization: UNHCR Canada
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Employment Type: Full-Time Internship
- Start Date: July 1, 2026
- Work Arrangement: On-site (Remote work not available)
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Hardship Level: H (No Hardship)
- Family Status: Family Duty Station
- Application Deadline: June 25, 2026
This internship is designed to immerse participants in the daily operations of a professional fundraising team while allowing them to make meaningful contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
What Interns Will Learn
Participants will gain practical knowledge and professional skills in multiple areas, including:
- Donor communications
- Fundraising strategy
- Major donor cultivation
- Philanthropic partnerships
- Event planning and coordination
- Prospect research
- Relationship management
- Database administration
- Marketing analytics
- Stewardship practices
- Non-profit operations
- Humanitarian fundraising
Interns will also observe how mid-level and major donors are engaged through:
- In-person meetings
- Fundraising events
- Email communications
- Direct mail campaigns
- Impact reporting initiatives
Key Responsibilities
1. Event Support
Interns will assist with organizing and managing donor and fundraising events.
Responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating event logistics
- Supporting venue setup
- Managing schedules and timelines
- Communicating with vendors
- Preparing invitations
- Coordinating catering arrangements
- Organizing equipment and event materials
2. Donor Stewardship Activities
Building strong donor relationships is a critical part of fundraising success.
Interns will help coordinate donor stewardship activities such as:
- Handwritten thank-you cards
- Donor appreciation calls
- Impact reports
- Personalized communications
- Event invitations
- Relationship-building initiatives
3. Communications Support
Interns will support the development of communication materials for donors and stakeholders.
Tasks may include:
- Project management support
- Proposal preparation
- Cover letter development
- Thank-you letter creation
- Editing communications
- Fact-checking materials
- Reviewing fundraising documents
4. Writing and Content Development
The internship offers significant exposure to professional writing.
Interns will:
- Conduct background research
- Gather supporting information
- Draft written materials
- Edit documents
- Proofread communications
- Assist with storytelling initiatives
5. Prospect Research
Participants will gain experience identifying and researching potential donors.
Responsibilities include:
- Creating donor briefing notes
- Researching donor interests
- Preparing prospect profiles
- Conducting due diligence support
- Analyzing donor engagement opportunities
6. Database Management
Interns will work with donor management systems and databases.
Tasks include:
- Updating donor records
- Maintaining database accuracy
- Recording donations
- Tracking fundraising activities
- Managing donor information
7. Analytics and Reporting
Data-driven fundraising is increasingly important in modern philanthropy.
Interns will assist in:
- Collecting fundraising data
- Analyzing campaign performance
- Measuring donor engagement
- Evaluating communication effectiveness
- Producing reports for decision-making
8. Administrative Support
Additional responsibilities may include:
- General office administration
- Document preparation
- Team support activities
- Scheduling assistance
- Special projects assigned by supervisors
Financial Benefits
UNHCR provides financial support for interns who do not receive funding from another source.
Monthly Internship Allowance
Eligible interns may receive:
- Up to CAD $2,168.88 per month
This allowance is intended to help cover:
- Food expenses
- Local transportation costs
This financial support can significantly reduce the cost burden associated with living and working in Toronto during the internship period.
Why You Should Apply
This internship offers a unique combination of professional development and humanitarian impact.
Benefits include:
Professional Experience
- Work with a globally respected UN organization.
- Gain practical fundraising experience.
- Develop project management skills.
- Learn donor engagement strategies.
Career Development
- Build a strong professional network.
- Work alongside experienced fundraising professionals.
- Enhance communication and writing abilities.
- Strengthen research and analytical skills.
Humanitarian Impact
- Contribute to refugee protection efforts.
- Support life-saving humanitarian programs.
- Help strengthen donor relationships that fund critical services worldwide.
Resume Enhancement
Experience with UNHCR is highly regarded across sectors including:
- International development
- Non-profit organizations
- Public affairs
- Communications
- Philanthropy
- Fundraising
- Government relations
- Corporate social responsibility
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application.
Work Authorization Requirements
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada and possess one of the following:
- Canadian citizenship
- Permanent Resident status with valid documentation
- Valid Canadian work permit
- Other written authorization under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Educational Requirements
Applicants must satisfy one of the following:
- Currently pursuing a university degree and have completed at least two years of study
- Currently pursuing a college diploma and have completed at least two years of study
- Graduated within the previous 24 months
Preferred Fields of Study
The following academic backgrounds are particularly advantageous:
- Communications
- Marketing
- International Development
- Related disciplines
Required Skills and Competencies
UNHCR seeks candidates who demonstrate:
Communication Skills
- Strong written communication
- Strong verbal communication
- Professional correspondence abilities
Organizational Skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks
- Strong time-management skills
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Word proficiency
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency
Personal Qualities
- Ability to work independently
- Strong teamwork skills
- Reliability and professionalism
- Ability to perform under deadlines
Additional Assets
The following qualifications are considered advantageous:
- Database management experience
- Data entry experience
- Fundraising experience
- French language proficiency
Language Requirements
Required
- Fluency in spoken English
- Fluency in written English
Preferred
- French language skills
Candidates who can communicate effectively in both English and French may have an additional advantage.
Diversity and Inclusion
UNHCR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Applications are encouraged from qualified individuals regardless of:
- Race
- Colour
- National origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
The organization also provides accommodations and recruitment support for applicants with disabilities whenever possible.
Important Application Information
Applicants should note the following:
- UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.
- Applications are accepted only through the official UNHCR recruitment platform.
- Applications sent by email will not be reviewed.
- Candidates should beware of recruitment scams and fraudulent job offers.
How to Apply
Click here for more and to apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official UNHCR online recruitment platform before the application deadline.
Deadline
June 25, 2026
Early applications are strongly encouraged as candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, education, skills, and suitability for the role.
For students and recent graduates interested in philanthropy, fundraising, communications, donor relations, and humanitarian work, the UNHCR Canada Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Internship 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to a global mission that changes lives.
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