UNESCO Internship Opportunity in the Culture and Heritage Sector 2026

UNESCO invites applications for its Culture Sector internship for candidates interested in cultural heritage, creativity and cultural policy. Internships may take place at Headquarters, Field Offices or Institutes and last from one to six months; applications close on 31 December 2026.

About the UNESCO Culture Sector Internship

Interns join a unit or entity in the Culture Sector and contribute to its programmes and activities under the supervision of the relevant managers. Tasks include helping prepare documents, reports, work plans and communications materials, such as briefings, talking points, speeches and online content. Interns may also research topics, compile data, conduct analysis and prepare materials related to implementing UNESCO Culture Conventions.

The role can include supporting meetings, training workshops, events, webinars and conferences, taking notes and preparing minutes. Interns may also help maintain working relationships with other sectors and entities, donors, partners, and relevant national and international organizations. The Culture Sector placements cover a range of areas: World Heritage; Living Heritage; Diversity of Cultural Expressions; Communication, Cities and Events; Culture and Emergencies; Cultural Policies and Development; and the Executive and Administrative Offices. Interns may also assist with initiatives related to global priorities such as Africa and gender equality, as well as culture and education, culture and climate change, Indigenous peoples, small island developing States and youth.

Learning objectives include developing an overview of the Culture Sector’s work to protect cultural heritage and promote creativity, and understanding UNESCO’s mandate and role within the United Nations system. Depending on the team’s needs, interns can also develop skills in preparing written materials with a professional tone and diplomatic awareness, working in a multicultural team, communication, social media and project management.

Who Should Apply

This internship is intended for applicants aged at least 20 who are in the third or final year of a bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a second university degree, master’s or PhD programme, or who completed a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree no more than 12 months before the Internship Agreement is issued. Applicants for technical or vocational assignments must be in the final year at a specialized institution or have graduated within the previous 12 months. Candidates should have excellent spoken and written English or French, strong computer and office-software knowledge, and the ability to communicate and work effectively in an international team.

Key Highlights

• Provider: UNESCO Culture Sector.
• Type: Unpaid internship; UNESCO provides no financial or other compensation.
• Locations: Headquarters, Field Offices and Institutes.
• Duration: One to six months.
• Application deadline: 31 December 2026.
• Successful applicants enter a six-month intern talent pool for further assessment and selection.

Explore other internship opportunities and browse United Nations opportunities.

Selection Process and Practical Information

Applicants should apply to any available vacancy notice that matches their expertise, domain or interests; they may apply to all suitable notices. The application is for the intern candidate pool, not for one specific internship opening. Candidates whose applications are successful remain in the pool and may be assessed and selected by relevant hiring managers. The candidature is valid for six months. Selected candidates are contacted directly by the relevant hiring manager; if UNESCO provides no update within six months, the application has not been successful.

Interns must arrange and finance their travel to the internship location and obtain any required visas. They must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in the country of the internship for its entire duration. UNESCO provides only limited workplace insurance for injury, illness, disability or death incurred during the internship and directly attributable to its execution. Before the internship begins, interns must provide an ID, Certificate of Enrollment or, for recent graduates, a diploma. UNESCO will not sign third-party agreements or contracts supplied by academic or research institutions; only UNESCO’s official Internship Agreement will be signed by its representatives.