UNICEF Remote Internship: Social Behavior Change & Behavioral Insights – Apply by 30 Mar 2026

RJO plug MK March 18, 2026

0 3 minutes read

The UNICEF Social Behavior Change (SBC) & Behavioral Insights internship offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in integrating behavioral science principles into sustainability and operations. This remote, full-time internship lasts six months and is designed for individuals interested in sustainability, climate action, and organizational behavior. Candidates must be able to work during Central European Time (CET) hours, making it ideal for those comfortable with flexible, remote arrangements.

The internship supports UNICEF’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), particularly Objective 3, which focuses on reducing organizational emissions, engaging staff in sustainable practices, and promoting environmentally responsible behavior across operations. Interns will contribute to evidence-based strategies, analyze behavioral data, and assist in designing interventions that drive practical, scalable change.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates applying for this internship must meet specific criteria:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s or advanced degree program in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Social & Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related social science field.
Demonstrate academic exposure to Social and Behavior Change (SBC) frameworks or behavioral science approaches.
Show interest in sustainability, climate action, or organizational behavior.
Have excellent English language skills; knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
Possess strong research, analytical, and computer skills (Microsoft 365 Office products).
Have access to a personal computer and the necessary software to complete tasks.
Be flexible to work during CET hours.

Additional assets include experience with communications, graphic design, data visualization, and AI tools. Strong academic performance or supporting references are also expected.

Core Responsibilities of the Internship

The internship provides hands-on experience in behavioral science and sustainability through a variety of strategic and analytical tasks:

Behavioral Insights Review and Evidence Synthesis

Consolidate existing evidence from internal surveys, reports, and sustainability initiatives, including the Green Pulse Survey and EFAAT Reports.
Organize and code findings using behavioral science models such as COM-B, the Behavior Change Wheel, and heuristics.
Produce insight briefs and slide summaries that translate evidence into actionable recommendations for staff and leadership.

Behavioral Diagnostics and Prioritization

Formulate behavioral problem statements grounded in evidence.
Define priority target behaviors using criteria such as impact potential, bottlenecks, psychological frictions, and system constraints.
Map pathways of change to identify drivers and barriers influencing desired behaviors.
Support prioritization based on feasibility, behavioral leverage, equity, and measurability.

Strategy Development Support

Draft behavioral objectives for staff, leadership, and Green Teams.
Develop high-level intervention concepts, including nudges, prompts, and feedback mechanisms.
Provide recommendations for low-carbon travel and operational choices using choice architecture principles.
Suggest early-phase tests or pilots to generate behavioral insights.

Coordination and Knowledge Management

Organize consultations with internal teams and stakeholders.
Prepare internal briefs and maintain alignment with Communications, HR, Operations, and Sustainability teams.
Document insights and recommendations for long-term knowledge management.
Assist in producing slides, reports, and other materials for internal dissemination.

Learning Opportunities for Interns

This internship provides valuable professional development and exposure to global organizational operations:

Gain practical experience applying behavioral science and SBC approaches in a large international organization.
Work with real organizational data and contribute to sustainability and climate action strategies.
Develop skills in behavioral analysis, research synthesis, and evidence-informed planning.
Gain insight into leadership engagement, staff motivation, and institutional behavior change.
Experience working in a diverse, multicultural, and remote environment within the United Nations system.

Compensation and Logistics

Interns receive a monthly stipend: approximately USD 1,700 for New York, Geneva, and Copenhagen, or 70% of GS level 3 step 1 net salary for other locations.
Interns are responsible for their living expenses and must have valid medical and accident insurance.
The internship does not guarantee employment within UNICEF, and confidentiality of organizational information is required.

How to Apply and Succeed

Candidates should highlight their experience with behavioral science frameworks, data analysis, and sustainability projects. Demonstrating how they have used insights to influence decisions, design nudges, or drive organizational behavior change will strengthen the application. Fluency in English and flexibility to work CET hours should also be emphasized.

This UNICEF internship offers a meaningful opportunity for students and recent graduates to build expertise at the intersection of behavioral science and sustainability, contributing to global efforts that make operations more environmentally responsible, inclusive, and effective.

APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization that is hiring. 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.