UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 75 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

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 Brussels Partnership Office is in charge of the relations with the EU institutions and works to prioritize children and UNICEF’s priorities across EU’s policies, legislation and programmes.

Working in the UNICEF Brussels Partnership Office, 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 sections (development, humanitarian, advocacy/policy/communications) in partnership development (including information 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 financing and identify opportunities within and across the development-humanitarian nexus.
• Support strategic engagement and partnership development in key thematic priority areas, in particular health, nutrition and education.
• 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 (EU partner profile and intranet page, UNISON).
• Support data gathering and analysis related to the relevant sections and UNICEF’s key priorities.
• Assist in policy advocacy to influence the EU institutions and EU Member States, particularly in relation to the new EU political cycle.

 Qualifications, Skills and Competencies Required

• University degree in human rights, political science, international development, humanitarian aid, or related field.  Letter of verification from the college or university that the intern has completed the Degree Programme. It should state the graduation date. Recent graduates are allowed until 2 years after degree completion.
• 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.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Copy of their most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance.
• One letter of signed recommendation on letterhead or from (a representative in) an academic institution.
• The incumbent must be eligible to live in Belgium for the duration of the internship. 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.​​​​​​​
• This position is available only to applicants who can legally reside in Belgium for the full duration of the internship.
• Valid health insurance covering the full internship period, to perform the duties of the contract for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment.

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 accommodation for personnel with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. 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 internship; and from those capacity building activities that happen to be organized during the internship. 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.

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: Interns are covered for any service-incurred injury, illness, or death under the UNICEF procedure on Malicious Acts Insurance Policy or as amended. The selected candidate must provide valid health insurance covering the full internship period, to perform the duties of the contract for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment.

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: September 2024 for 6 months (26 weeks). An internship may be terminated by either party, with a notice period of at least two weeks.

Visa Requirements: 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