UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up

Internship Title: Internship at UNICEF European Partnerships Office

Section/Team: Two interns to support the EU Institutions Section on Development/Policy & Advocacy/Humanitarian Affairs

Duty Station:  Brussels, Belgium

Modality: Full-time in-person

Duration: 6 months with start in November 2025

Background and Purpose of the Internship

UNICEF Public Partnerships Division (PPD) works to strengthen the organization’s position as a partner. for children's rights among governments and public actors around the world. UNICEF European Partnerships Office oversees the relations with the EU institutions and EU Members States and works to prioritize children and UNICEF’s priorities across EU’s policies, legislation, and programmes.

Working in the UNICEF Europearn Partnerships Office in Brussels, the interns will have the opportunity to gain experience about UNICEF’s work for children globally and support the office in its partnership and strategic engagement with the EU institutions. Under the respective supervisors the interns will directly support one of the three areas of development/ humanitarian, advocacy/policy/communications in partnership development (including gathering, data analysis and knowledge management), advocacy for children’s rights and resource mobilization.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant developments and trends regarding EU development and humanitarian programming and financing.
• Monitor policy developments and trends and support the development of analytical briefs for the PPD staff.
• Support strategic engagement and partnership development in key thematic priority areas, in particular health, nutrition and education, migration and ODA.
• Support the preparation and organization of key high level/strategic events, joint EU-UNICEF meetings, capacity building webinars and InfoPoint sessions and where applicable assist with the preparation of background materials and minutes.
• Assist with the updating of key knowledge management products within the UNICEF platforms and Brussels’ specific folders to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Support data gathering and analysis related to UNICEF’s key priorities and relevant sectors.
• Assist in policy advocacy efforts to influence EU institutions and EU Member States, particularly in relation to the new EU political cycle.
• Support communications on UNICEF initiatives towards a wide range of EU stakeholders.

 Minimum Requirements

• Graduate degree (i.e., Master’s, PhD). It should state the graduation date. Recent graduates are allowed until 2 years after degree completion.
• Minimum 18 years old.
• Copy of your most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance.
• One letter of signed recommendation on letterhead or from professional email address.
• Visa: The incumbent must be eligible to live in Belgium for the full duration of the fellowship. UNICEF is not responsible for obtaining visa or residency permits.
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g., father, mother, brother, sister) working in any UNICEF office; and have no other relatives in the line of authority that the intern will report to.​​​​​​​

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies Required

• University degree in human rights, political science, international relations, international finance and economics, international development, humanitarian aid.
• Familiarity with the functioning of the EU Institutions; experience related to the European Institutions is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to synthesize information and communicate it simply and effectively. Strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Genuine interest in and basic knowledge of children’s rights; understanding of UNICEF’s mandate is necessary.
• Ability to operate in a diplomatic environment, using tact and judgement. Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
• Excellent command of oral and written English. Knowledge of French and/or another EU language is an asset.
• Knowledge of office computer systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF offers reasonable support for personnel with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software to carry out work We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Benefits to the Intern:

The intern will benefit from ongoing supervision, guidance and coaching by their immediate supervisor throughout the six-month fellowship; and from those capacity building activities that happen to be organized during the fellowship. A learning and development plan will be agreed with the intern, aiming at enhancing and updating knowledge of EU institutions and policies; improving knowledge on child rights; improving understanding of UNICEF’s activities, policies, and organization; and improving basic organization and communication skills. The intern will participate actively in all office/section meetings and can also participate in events organized by UNICEF or where UNICEF has been invited.

Stipend: UNICEF will pay a stipend to contribute towards transportation and meal costs. There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship.

Insurance: UNICEF will not be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illnesses incurred during the volunteer service. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to starting the internship. UNICEF is not responsible for obtaining health insurance for the incumbent.

Living Conditions and Working Environment: Subject to the sanitary conditions at the time of the start of the internship, the intern will work in the UNICEF Office in Brussels, attending many meetings at and around the EU institutions. S/he will work with an assigned UNICEF staff and report to his/her immediate supervisor. S/he is not expected to travel during the assignment. S/he will be provided with a UNICEF computer to be able to work from home as per UNICEF flexible working arrangement policy and as required.

Remarks:  

Tentative start date: 24 November 2025 for 6 months (26 weeks). An internship may be terminated by either party, with a notice period of at least two weeks.

This position is available only to applicants who can legally reside in Belgium for the full duration of the internship.

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

If you are interested in undertaking an internship at UNICEF, please complete the online application form. No email applications will be accepted.

For more on internships at UNICEF, follow this link: INTERNSHIPS-Start your career with UNICEF