Students and recent graduates passionate about youth development, entrepreneurship, international development, and social impact have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with UNICEF through the Youth Engagement Internship under Generation Unlimited (GenU). This fully remote, full-time internship offers aspiring professionals the chance to contribute to global youth empowerment initiatives while working alongside one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations.
Based remotely with support from UNICEF Headquarters in New York, the internship runs for 26 weeks and offers two positions focused on advancing youth engagement and innovative solutions for young people worldwide.
About UNICEF and Generation Unlimited
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, improve access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
Generation Unlimited (GenU) is a global partnership launched by UNICEF that brings together governments, private sector leaders, youth organizations, civil society, academia, and international institutions to help ensure every young person is in education, training, employment, or entrepreneurship by 2030.
GenU focuses particularly on young people who face barriers due to poverty, disability, displacement, conflict, or discrimination.
About the Internship
The Youth Engagement Internship is designed to provide practical experience in youth participation, entrepreneurship programming, research, advocacy, strategic planning, and global program support.
Interns will work closely with GenU’s Programme Team and contribute to initiatives that help amplify youth voices and create opportunities for young people around the world.
Two internship tracks are available:
- Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Hub
- Global Solutions Hub
Applicants may indicate interest in one or both areas.
Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Hub
The intern supporting this hub will contribute to initiatives that strengthen meaningful youth participation across GenU programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting youth engagement strategies.
- Assisting with implementation of youth-centered initiatives.
- Supporting the work of youth advisory groups.
- Helping organize entrepreneurship workshops and mentorship activities.
- Developing advocacy materials and communications content.
- Amplifying the voices of young people through digital platforms and campaigns.
The role offers valuable exposure to global youth leadership and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Global Solutions Hub
The Global Solutions Hub intern will support strategic planning and knowledge-sharing efforts across the GenU network.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with strategic planning processes.
- Supporting the development of GenU’s future programming strategy.
- Creating technical notes and consultation materials.
- Producing blogs, reports, and learning resources.
- Supporting knowledge exchange among youth networks and country offices.
- Contributing to global learning and innovation initiatives.
This track is ideal for candidates interested in policy development, international programs, and strategic partnerships.
General Responsibilities
Regardless of the assigned hub, interns will support several cross-cutting activities.
These include:
- Conducting research and analysis on youth development issues.
- Monitoring emerging trends affecting young people globally.
- Supporting program coordination and administration.
- Organizing meetings and maintaining documentation.
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners.
- Assisting with communication and advocacy initiatives.
Interns will gain practical experience in a fast-paced international environment while contributing to programs that directly impact young people worldwide.
Who Should Apply?
UNICEF is seeking motivated students and recent graduates who are passionate about youth empowerment and international development.
Applicants should:
- Be enrolled in a graduate-level academic program or have graduated within the last two years.
- Study fields such as international relations, political science, education, business, entrepreneurship, monitoring and evaluation, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate interest in youth engagement, public policy, international development, or humanitarian work.
- Have some volunteer, internship, or professional experience related to youth programs.
Candidates who have participated in youth advisory bodies or youth-led initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Successful applicants should possess:
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Strong research and analytical abilities.
- Experience synthesizing information into reports and presentations.
- Ability to develop concept notes and compelling pitch decks.
- Knowledge of qualitative research and data analysis.
- Strong organizational and teamwork skills.
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of additional United Nations languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Proof of enrollment or recent graduation.
- Official academic transcript.
- Government-issued identification.
- One signed recommendation letter from an academic or professional reference.
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the internship period.
Preparing these documents in advance can help ensure a smooth application process.
Why This Internship Matters
Youth participation has become increasingly important in shaping global development agendas. Through Generation Unlimited, UNICEF is working to ensure that young people are not only beneficiaries of development programs but active contributors to solutions.
This internship provides participants with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while helping shape programs that support education, employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion for young people worldwide.
For graduate students and recent graduates seeking a meaningful entry point into the United Nations system, this internship offers a unique platform to develop professional skills, build global networks, and contribute to positive change.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Youth Engagement Internship close on 9 June 2026.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, as UNICEF internships are highly competitive and attract talented applicants from around the world.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
