Exploring Cultural Heritage Through UNESCO: A Unique Internship Opportunity
If you’ve ever dreamed of working at the interface of culture, heritage, and sustainable development, here’s a chance you don’t want to miss. UNESCO is currently accepting applications for its INTERNSHIP: Culture Sector programme, with multiple placements across its Headquarters, field offices, and institutes.
What the Internship Offers
This internship runs from one to six months, allowing a wide degree of flexibility. Interns are expected to take on tasks across a variety of UNESCO’s Culture units, including:
- World Heritage: assisting with nominations, site condition reporting, capacity building, and awareness efforts.
- Living Heritage: supporting the safeguarding of intangible cultural expressions, preparing reports, proposals, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Diversity of Cultural Expressions: helping create policies to support creative economies and ensuring the diversity of cultural expressions.
- Communications, Cities & Events: working with UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, managing digital content, or assisting in event planning.
- Culture & Emergencies: contributing to work on cultural protection in crises, preventing illicit trafficking, and preserving heritage at risk.
- Cultural Policies & Development: helping Member States draft cultural policies, integrate culture into sustainable development agendas, and advocate for culture’s role in peace and security.
Throughout the internship, participants might assist with research, report drafting, preparation of communication materials, meeting support, and stakeholder engagement. It’s a dynamic opportunity to experience first-hand how culture contributes to sustainable development.
Who Can Apply & What You’ll Gain
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 20 years old and currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent), or have graduated within the past 12 months. Strong communication skills in English or French, computer literacy, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are also required.
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Over the course of the internship, participants will deepen their understanding of UNESCO’s mission and structure, gain practical experience in cultural programming, develop professional writing and analytical skills, and be exposed to the workings of a global multilateral organization.
Important Details & Application Tips
- The deadline for this call is 31 December 2025 (midnight Paris time).
- Internships are unpaid, but interns receive leave entitlements of 2.5 days per month.
- The internship is open to external candidates from all nationalities.
For emerging professionals and scholars in culture, heritage, or arts—especially in Africa and other developing regions—this internship offers a rare chance to work inside a global institution that values cultural diversity and creativity. It’s not just a learning opportunity; it’s a stepping stone toward a meaningful career in international cultural cooperation.
Official Application Link: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Multiple-INTERNSHIP-Culture-Sector/764957702/
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