UNESCO Internship – Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission UNESCO Internship

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) is the United Nations body responsible for supporting global ocean science and services. The Intern will have the opportunity to learn and support the overall work of the Sector’s mission. Activities will vary depending on the requirements of the assignment. Specific Terms of Reference and learning objectives will form part of the contract.

The work entrusted to interns falls under one or more of the following categories as per the requirements/needs of each team.

Research and Knowledge Management: 

• Undertake specific research and reviews to produce well defined aspects or segments of work products, including publications, documents and project proposals.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and communication products, materials for advocacy and outreach, related to area of work.
• Participate in meetings and seminars.

Programme and Project Support:

• Contribute to the production/preparation of documents, working papers, and conceptual framework/concept notes.
• Assist in the development of technical support in the development of new interventions or projects.
  
• Collect, organize and analyze data.
  

Operations Support:

• Support the preparation of specific budgets, financial and accounting documents, and project documentation and evaluation.
  
• Provide administrative and logistical support in the planning and organization of meetings, events, workshops, and conferences in coordination with other staff.
• Support the management of data and contacts related to the Ocean Decade and the ecosystem of endorsed Ocean Decade Actions. 
• Support processing of requests for endorsement of Decade Actions. 

Communications Support:

• Support to drafting, preparation and dissemination of communications assets

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and resource mobilisation initiatives.
• Support engagement of stakeholders and partners in IOC activities e.g. through the Ocean Decade Network.
• Support to facilitation of scientific and non-scientific working groups and partner networks.

Learning Objectives

It is expected that the assignment will provide the intern with the opportunity to develop skills in some of the following areas, depending on the needs of the team during the time of the internship: 

• Build skills in partnership development and management. 
• Gain insight into development and implementation of ocean science communication and information projects 
• Understand the context of global, regional and national policy related to the ocean including role of international organizations through their work in setting standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing policy advice, enhancing human and institutional capacities and facilitating cooperation.
• Understand the approach to developing and managing diverse projects related to ocean and coastal issues. 
• Understand multilateral processes. 
• Developing soft skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic.
• Build skills in data analyses and management. 
• Understanding international project management through learning-by-doing approaches.
• Acquiring and strengthening skills in research, writing and communication.

• Duty Station: Headquarters
• Type of contract : Internship
• Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months
• Recruitment open to : External Candidates
• Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Age:

You must be at least 20 years old to apply.

Academic qualifications:

• At the time of your application to the internship programme:
• You should be currently enrolled AND on the 3rd (third) year or final year of your Bachelor’s degree; OR
• You should be currently enrolled in your second university degree, Master’s or PhD degree or equivalent; OR
• You should have finished your Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree within the last 12 months (date of completion as indicated in diploma).
• Applicants in technical/vocational assignments must be enrolled in a specialized technical/vocational institution and must have reached the last year of their studies, or have recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from their school or institution.  

Languages:

• You should have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of English or French. A working knowledge of the other language (English or French) is an asset, and may be required for internships in secretarial and assistantship assignments at the Headquarters.

Computer skills: You must have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.

Team player: You should be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.

Communication skills: You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.