UNESCO Legal Internship – Apply Now for January 2026 Opportunity
The UNESCO Legal Internship at the Governing Bodies Secretariat (GBS), Paris, offers an unparalleled opportunity for law and international relations students to gain hands-on experience in multilateral diplomacy, governance, and institutional functioning within the United Nations system.
Under the overall authority of the Director of the Governing Bodies Secretariat and direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary of the Executive Board, this internship provides exposure to the core activities of UNESCO, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to documentation, research, session logistics, and reporting for UNESCO’s Executive Board and General Conference.
This international governance opportunity is ideal for those aspiring to build careers in public international law, global policy, or diplomatic institutions. Interns learn directly from professionals at the heart of UNESCO’s policymaking, gaining an understanding of how international legal norms are shaped and implemented.
About the Organization
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is one of the foremost agencies within the United Nations system, headquartered in Paris, France. Its mission is to promote peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation through education, culture, science, and communication.
Founded in 1945, UNESCO operates through its Governing Bodies — primarily the General Conference and the Executive Board — which guide its global strategy and oversee program implementation. The Governing Bodies Secretariat (GBS) provides essential administrative and substantive support to these organs, ensuring the smooth functioning of meetings, documentation, and follow-up actions.
UNESCO’s core values — Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism — guide its work culture and foster an inclusive, multicultural environment. The internship at GBS reflects these principles, providing interns with meaningful engagement in real institutional processes and opportunities to contribute to UNESCO’s mission.
About the Internship / Opportunity
The UNESCO Legal Internship at the Governing Bodies Secretariat allows interns to assist with a broad range of functions related to governance, documentation, and session management.
Key Tasks Include:
Reports, Research & Briefings
- Assisting with working meetings and contributing to reporting and briefings.
- Supporting the team in preparing reports for UNESCO information meetings.
- Conducting research and drafting analytical or summary notes on topics relevant to the Governing Bodies Secretariat.
- Monitoring international developments and informing supervisors about important global issues.
Preparation of the Executive Board & General Conference
- Assisting with documentation for forthcoming sessions (including debriefings, decisions, and summary records).
- Participating in the archiving and classification of statutory documents.
Logistics
- Supporting logistical and organizational preparations for the Executive Board and General Conference.
- Ensuring the functional and conceptual coordination required for smooth execution of sessions.
Other Responsibilities
- Providing general assistance for meetings of the Governing Bodies, including preparatory groups, informal consultations, and working committees.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January 2026 |
| Internship Period Begins | Rolling (January 2026 onwards) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by posting (apply early) |
| Internship Duration | Typically 3–6 months |
| Selection Notification | Within 6 months of application submission |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline / Onsite
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Format and Structure
- Duration: 3–6 months (depending on team needs)
- Working Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
- Supervisor / Mentor: Deputy Secretary of the Executive Board, under the Governing Bodies Secretariat
Eligibility & Requirements
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- Academic Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent); or
- Recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from such a programme.
- Candidates who have completed only a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
- Language Requirements:
- Excellent written and spoken command of English or French.
- Working knowledge of the other language is desirable and may be required for secretarial or assistantship roles.
- Computer Skills: Excellent proficiency in office software and digital tools.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability in a multicultural environment.
- Values Alignment: Commitment to UNESCO’s core values — Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, and Accountability.
Learning Objectives
Through this UNESCO Legal Internship, interns will:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of UN governance structures and UNESCO’s constitutional framework.
- Learn about international legal instruments, decision-making, and session documentation.
- Develop competencies in report writing, research, and cross-cultural diplomacy.
- Strengthen organizational and communication skills through real-time engagement in Executive Board sessions.
- Understand the intersection of international policy, law, and diplomacy in practice.
Additional Highlights
- Certificate of completion (issued upon satisfactory completion).
- Opportunity to work in a multicultural international environment.
- Valuable exposure to UN governance and global policy mechanisms.
- 2.5 days of leave per month.
- Networking opportunities with international officials and experts.
Note: UNESCO internships are unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
FAQs – UNESCO Legal Internship
Who can apply for this UNESCO Legal Internship?
Students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s or PhD programme in law, political science, international relations, or related disciplines are eligible.
Is this UNESCO Legal Internship paid or unpaid?
The internship is unpaid. UNESCO does not provide financial compensation, but offers valuable learning experience and certification.
What is the last date to apply?
The UNESCO Internship Programme opens in January and July each year. Applications remain valid for six months, and candidates may reapply in subsequent cycles.
What is the selection process?
After applying online, candidates are placed in the intern talent pool. Relevant hiring managers assess applications, and selected candidates are contacted directly within six months.
Will I get a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon successful completion, interns receive a Certificate of Completion from UNESCO.
Important Links
- Official Internship Notification: View Here
- Application Portal: Apply via UNESCO Careers
- UNESCO Competency Framework: Access Here
- Organization Website: www.unesco.org
Downloadables
- Sample Cover Letter Template
Contact
Email: [Available via UNESCO Careers Portal]
Address: UNESCO Headquarters, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France
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