INTERNSHIP: Priority Africa and External Relations TASKS

INTERNSHIP: Priority Africa and External Relations UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Headquarters, Field, offices Both national and international Internship level Speaks English, French Application deadline: June 30, 2026 (2 months) Apply Summary by Impactpool The internship in Priority Africa and External Relations at UNESCO offers a unique opportunity to support the sector's mission while gaining valuable experience in international relations. Interns will assist in various coordination and communication tasks, contributing to the organization's efforts in policy advice and cooperation with Member States. The role involves preparing documents, conducting research, and supporting meetings and events. Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant academic program and possess strong communication and teamwork skills. Candidate Requirements: INTERNSHIP: Priority Africa and External Relations OVERVIEW Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes Type of contract : Internship Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External Candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST The overall mission of the sector for Priority Africa and External Relations is to coordinate, ensure liaison and provide strategic policy advice to the Director General, as regards cooperation with Member States, the Global Priority Africa, UN system; Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), National commissions, Goodwill Ambassadors and support to Field Offices. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and support the overall work of the Sector’s mission. He/she will assist in coordination, liaison, information, and communication tasks and will undertake the following tasks: TASKS Prepare preliminary draft notes, memoranda, letters and /or other Sector’s proposals for submission to member States, Programmes Sectors,and potential public and private partners. Assist in researching and analyzing information provision to briefings for bilateral meetings. Provide assistance in coordinating the Sector’s contributions to Statutory meetings (General conference, Executive Board), and drafting of reports. Assist in dealing with a wide range of issues of the PAX sector, by providing timely, accurate and specific information in response to queries, thus contributing to maintaining close working relationships with the Delegations, Programme Sectors and Central services, Field Offices, partners and other stakeholders. Assist in the organization of meetings, events and provide technical support to ensure success of the work team. Update PAX Website on Intranet, notably on information in relations with Member States, UNESCO events, publication etc. Undertake any other tasks which may be assigned by the Supervisor. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the internship, the intern shall: Acquire general understanding of the work and mission of UNESCO, with special focus on the mandate of the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations Understand the context of global policy making including role of UNESCO international organizations, through their work in setting standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing policy advice, enhancing institutional capacities, and facilitating cooperation. Understand administrative procedures and develop soft skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic within the UNESCO Competency Framework, in particular teamwork, flexibility, communication and client-oriented service mindset. Obtain a deep understanding of the functioning of the Organisation with a perspective on its policies, key challenges, and impact. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Age : You must be at least 20 years old to apply. Academic qualifications: At the time of your application to the internship programme: You should be currently enrolled AND on the 3rd (third) year or final year of your Bachelor’s degree; OR You should be currently enrolled in your second university degree, Master's or PhD degree or equivalent; OR You should have finished your Bachelor’s, Master's or PhD degree within the last 12 months (date of completion as indicated in diploma). Applicants in technical/vocational assignments must be enrolled in a specialized technical/vocational institution and must have reached the last year of their studies, or have recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from their school or institution. Languages: You should have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of English or French. A working knowledge of the other language (English or French) is an asset, and may be required for internships in secretarial and assistantship assignments at the Headquarters. Computer skills: You must have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software. Team player: You should be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment. Communication skills: You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS UNESCO does not remunerate interns. There is no compensation, financial or otherwise for internship assignments. Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship and an additional leave of 1 working day per complete month of internship. Interns are provided with a limited workplace insurance coverage against risk of injury, illness, disability, or death incurred during the period of the internship and directly attributable to the execution of the internship. SELECTIO