Youth Engagement internship, YPA Secretariat Generation Unlimited, Global Programme Division, NYHQ, 26 weeks (Full-time / Remote) 2 positions

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture.., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

UNICEF has partnered with leading public and private organizations to launch a global partnership dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people, aged 10-24.  Generation Unlimited (GenU) is centered on finding new ways to help every young person to get into school, learning, training, or employment by 2030 — with a focus on those in the greatest danger of being left behind, including girls, the poorest, those with disabilities, young people on the move and those affected by conflict and natural disasters.  

GenU brings together leaders from governments, UN agencies, the private sector, academia, international and civil society organizations, and young people themselves. The partnership will identify, co-create, resource, and scale-up innovative solutions to expand opportunities for young people. Effective programmes will be matched with financing and technical support; investors will find viable solutions to invest in and strong accountability mechanisms that provide adequate assurance of results and fiscal management; and young people will participate meaningfully in the co-creation of solutions, informing, advising, and helping implement at every step of the way.

How can you make a difference? 

Under the direct supervision of either the Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Lead and Senior Adviser of Global Programmes and in close collaboration with the overall Programme Team, the intern will support the following:

Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship Hub (1 position)

• Youth Engagement: Assist in designing and implementing strategies for meaningful youth engagement in GenU programming. This includes supporting the operationalization of the the work of the Young People’s Action Team, globally and regionally; the implementation of the Youth Centrality Strategy and Youth Centrality Index; feedback from young people, particularly marginalized groups, to inform program design and implementation.
• Entrepreneurship Programming: Assist in the execution of entrepreneurship initiatives, including organizing workshops and mentorship sessions, supporting the development of entrepreneurial skills among youth, and facilitating connections with potential partners.
• Program Support: Contribute to the development and execution of youth-centric programs, ensuring alignment with GenU’s strategic priorities, particularly programmes around youth-led entrepreneurship and meaningful youth engagement.
• Advocacy and Outreach: Support the development of advocacy materials, such as blogs and digital content, to amplify the voices and priorities of young people within GenU initiatives as well as support young people in participating and advocacy forums.

Global Solutions Hub (1 positions)

• Global Solutions Portfolio: Assist in developing resources that will support UNICEF Country Offices to engage in the Learning to Earning agenda and deploy GenU programming.
• Straetgic planning: Assist in the process of designing GenU’s strategic plan 2026-2029, including supporting with technical notes, country consultation, strategic plan development and review, etc.
• Knowledge Sharing: Help with creating and disseminating knowledge resources (blogs, reports, etc.). and peer-to-peer learning among global youth networks, leveraging tools such as webinars, thought leadership pieces, online platforms etc.

General Responsibilities

• Collaboration: Work closely with the GenU Programme Team and external partners to ensure cohesive and integrated support across the different hubs.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct research on emerging trends and issues relevant to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, global solutions, and country support providing insights that inform GenU’s strategy and activities.
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support as needed, including organizing meetings, maintaining documentation, and supporting the logistical aspects of program activities.

These responsibilities are designed to provide interns with a comprehensive learning experience, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to GenU's mission of empowering young people globally. Interns will gain hands-on experience in youth engagement, program development, and advocacy, while also building professional skills in a dynamic international environment.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Have the following eligibility requirements.
• Be enrolled in or having just completed a graduate academic programme in international relations, political science, education, business, monitoring and evaluation, entrepreneurship, or other relevant field. 
• Have interest and/or experience (academic or practical) in working in youth development/engagement, public policy, international development, and initiatives including adolescents and youth in development or humanitarian contexts. 
• Some first work/volunteer experience in youth engagement and/ or programmatic work in countries
• Strong writing skills are required. Ability to synthesize and craft concept notes and compelling pitch decks for youth-related programmatic initiatives highly desired.
• Demonstrated interest in at least one of the hubs of GenU’s programmes
• Knowledge of research, qualitative data analysis, visualization, knowledge management is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Participation and /or engagement in Youth Advisory Bodies for youth-centric organizations, such as the Young People’s Action Team of GenU, will be an asset.

Applicant should indicate which one of the hubs they would prefer to apply for, or highlight both, if of interest

Required documents as part of internship application.

• Proof of enrollment in a university programme (or proof of completion during past 2 years)
• Copy of most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance
• Copy of Identification Card (ID)
• One letter of signed recommendation from an academic institution on letterhead or from a professional email address
• Proof of health insurance coverage for the full internship duration

For every Child, you demonstrate... 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

During the recruitment process, we may test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our interns, including leave entitlement and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:  

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children.

UNICEF Interns must have proof of medical insurance covering their time at the duty station.

UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer, without compensation, if a visa or Proof of health insurance coverage is not obtained, or necessary medical/inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

There is no expectancy of employment at the end of this internship.