About UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026
- 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) : 31 December 2025
The UNESCO Culture Sector aims to promote culture and the creative economy and safeguard cultural and natural heritage in response to the global challenges addressed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as conflicts, disasters and emergencies, by implementing the six UNESCO Culture Conventions and the recommendations associated with them, and supporting Member States in translating their provisions into national policies and strategies. Internships with the Culture Sector can be undertaken in the following entities:
- World Heritage
- Living Heritage
- Diversity of Cultural Expressions
- Communication, Cities and Events
- Culture and Emergencies
- Executive Office
- The Executive Office of the Culture Sector
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 Duties and responsibilities
In this framework, we are looking for candidates to join the UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 Program to work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT), and the general supervision of the Director/Chief of Entity, and the direct supervision of the Head of Unit/Programme Specialist to contribute to the work of the Unit/Entity, in particular to:
- Assist in the implementation and monitoring of Culture programmes and activities.
- Contribute to the preparation of documents, reports, work plans and communication content including briefings, talking points, speeches and online content for the Sector.
- Assist in conducting research, compiling data and carrying out analysis, drafting and preparing materials pertaining to the implementation of the UNESCO Culture Conventions.
- Participate and assist with upcoming meetings, training workshops, events, webinars and conferences organized by the Sector, taking notes and preparing minutes.
- Assist in building and maintaining working relationships with other Sectors/Entities, donors/partners, relevant national and international organizations, etc.
- Contribute to any additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Unit/Entity within the Culture Sector.
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 Learning Objectives
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026
assignment is expected to provide the intern with the opportunity to develop skills in some of the following areas, depending on the needs of the team during the internship:
- Develop a fundamental understanding and overview of the mission and structure of the UNESCO Culture Sector in protecting and promoting cultural heritage and creativity.
- Acquire an understanding of the mandate of UNESCO as well as its role and functioning as an international organization of the United Nations System.
- Develop skills to elaborate internal and external written materials with diplomatic awareness and professional tone in an international context.
- Gain experience working in a multicultural team and for an international organization.
- Cultivate communication, social media and project management skills.
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 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 ©
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 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 are currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher).
You have recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD (or second degree as defined above), 12 months prior to the start of the internship.
Please note that candidates who have completed their full-time bachelor’s degree but are not enrolled in a graduate programme are not eligible to apply.
Applicants in secretarial/assistant or technical/professional assignments must be enrolled in a secretarial school or in a specialized technical/professional 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.
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 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.
UNESCO Culture Sector Internship 2026 Selection And Recruitment Process
The UNESCO Internships Programme is open in January and July each year. Candidates shall apply to the vacancy that matches their personal expertise and domain. Candidates who successfully applied to the vacancy will stay in the intern talent pool and will be further assessed and selected by relevant hiring managers.
The candidature will be valid for 6 months. Candidates who have been selected will be contacted directly by the relevant hiring manager. Those who were not selected for an internship in the current cycle will need to reapply to the internship programme when the new internship vacancies are released.
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