Overview
Duty Station: Paris Headquarters or Remote
Type of Contract: Internship
Duration: 1 to 6 Months
Recruitment Open to: External Candidates
Application Deadline: Midnight Paris Time, 31 December 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
About the Digital Business Solutions
The Digital Business Solutions (DBS) team plays a pivotal role at UNESCO, overseeing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) operations. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director General for Administration (ADG/ADM), the DBS is responsible for implementing UNESCO’s digital strategy, which focuses on enhancing project and knowledge management, ensuring a resilient IT infrastructure, and bolstering cybersecurity and digital risk management.
UNESCO is seeking highly motivated graduate or postgraduate students, or recent graduates to join the DBS team as interns. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization while contributing to meaningful projects that align with UNESCO’s mission.
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will have the opportunity to assist with various projects across multiple domains, including:
1. Operations, Helpdesk, Network, Server, and Cloud:
- Network Monitoring and Configuration: Assist in monitoring network performance, diagnosing connectivity issues, and configuring network devices such as routers and switches.
- Cloud Platform Familiarity: Gain proficiency in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) by setting up cloud resources and assisting with the migration of on-premises applications.
- Troubleshooting: Learn to troubleshoot network issues, ensuring smooth connectivity for users.
- Documentation Maintenance: Update and maintain essential network documentation, including diagrams and inventories.
- User Support: Provide basic user support, including password resets and account creation, while familiarizing yourself with helpdesk ticketing systems.
2. Cybersecurity, Compliance, and AI:
- AI/Generative AI Projects: Support the deployment, configuration, and testing of AI models developed by UNESCO.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Create educational content addressing cybersecurity threats and safe online practices.
- Phishing Simulations: Coordinate phishing simulations to train employees in identifying and reporting potential threats.
- Security Policy Reviews: Review cybersecurity policies and ensure employee understanding of their roles.
- Vulnerability Analysis: Analyze vulnerability scanning reports and aid in educating employees on security weaknesses.
3. Development, Architecture, and Engineering:
- Application Development: Assist in designing and coding web or cloud-based applications using technologies like Salesforce, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, alongside backend frameworks (Node.js, Django).
- UI/UX Enhancement: Collaborate on improving user interfaces based on user feedback to enhance overall user experience.
- Reporting: Support in preparing reports using Microsoft and Salesforce technologies.
- Data Management: Involve yourself in data preprocessing, cleaning, and visualization using tools like Power BI.
- Quality Assurance: Conduct testing and debugging of applications, contributing to quality assurance efforts.
Learning Objectives
Interns will benefit from a well-rounded experience at UNESCO, including:
- Gaining insights into project management and UNESCO’s global initiatives.
- Strengthening writing and communication skills.
- Enhancing teamwork abilities within a diverse international environment.
- Developing technical skills relevant to their fields of study.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
- Academic Qualifications: Candidates must either be currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent) or have graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD within 12 months prior to the internship start date. Candidates at the final year of a secretarial or specialized technical institution are also eligible.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English or French, with knowledge of both being an asset.
- Computer Skills: Strong knowledge of computer systems and office-related software is required.
- Team Player: Ability to work well in teams and adapt to an international working environment.
- Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Benefits and Entitlements
Interns will receive 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship, providing a balanced work-life experience.
Selection and Recruitment Process
The UNESCO Internship Programme opens applications in January and July each year. Successful applicants will remain in the talent pool for six months and will be assessed by relevant hiring managers. Selected candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager.
Please note:
- Prepare your motivation letter and résumé before starting the application process; you have one hour to complete your submission.
- Provide valid contact details for the next six months.
- Applications can only be submitted in English or French.
UNESCO does not provide monetary compensation for internships, and there are no guarantees of placement despite eligibility. Given the high volume of applications, if you do not receive communication within six months, it indicates that your application has not been successful.
Join UNESCO: Shape the Future of Digital Solutions!
This is a remarkable opportunity for ambitious individuals eager to contribute to UNESCO’s mission and gain invaluable experience in the digital solutions space. If you are ready to embark on a transformative internship that enhances your skill set while promoting global development, visit the UNESCO Careers page to apply by the deadline of 31 December 2025.
Visit the UNESCO Careers page
Also Read
- Internship Opportunity at ICAO: Administrative Assistant
- Vacancy Alert: Work Remotely as a Quantitative and Qualitative Research Consultant at UNICEF
- Vacancy Announcement: Home Based Web Developer wanted at FAO
- Consultant Opportunities Available the World Food Programme
- Exciting Internship Opportunity: Data and Statistics Intern at UN Women in New York, USA
