Internship: Governing Bodies Secretariat

UNESCO

Location: Paris, France

Apply by: 31 Dec 2026

Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance

Internship: Governing Bodies Secretariat

Overview

Type of contract: Internship

Duty Station: Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes

Duration of contract: 1 to 6 months

Application deadline: 31 December 2026 (Midnight)

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Overview of the Functions of the Post

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Governing Bodies Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary of the Executive Board, the intern will contribute to the work of the team including selected tasks from the following:

Reports, Research & Briefings

• Assist in working meetings and contribute to the reporting and briefings relating thereto
• Provide support for the elaboration of certain reports from UNESCO information meetings
• Carry out relevant research and draft analytical or summary notes on subjects relevant for GBS
• Follow international news and inform the supervisor of any important developments

Preparation of the Sessions of the Executive Board and the General Conference

Documentation

• Provide assistance with the design and subsequently the follow‑up to forthcoming sessions (debriefings, documents, decisions, summary records)
• Participate in the archiving and classification of statutory documents

Logistics

• Participate in the preparations for forthcoming sessions of the Executive Board and the General Conference from a logistical, organizational, informative, functional and conceptual point of view, in order to take part in the smooth running of the session

Other Tasks

• Contribute to other tasks to support the general conduct and smooth running of the meetings of the Secretariat of Governing Bodies (Executive Board, General Conference, Preparatory Group, working groups, informal meetings, etc.)

Learning Objectives

• Better knowledge of the United Nations and of UNESCO
• Understand the functioning of the governance within the United Nations and UNESCO, including statutory texts (Constitution of UNESCO, Rules of procedure of the Executive Board, etc.)
• Understand the debates held at Headquarters and international issues related to the Organization’s areas of competence
• Understand the work in an international and multicultural context, and ability to work under pressure during the sessions
• Ability to adapt, take initiative, diplomacy, geopolitical dynamics, integration into a team in a professional environment
• Support and assistance for the day‑to‑day activities of the Executive Board Secretariat

Competencies (Core)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)

Required Qualifications

• Age: at least 20 years old
• Academic qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled AND on the 3rd or final year of a Bachelor's degree
  • Or currently enrolled in a second university degree, Master’s or PhD degree or equivalent
  • Or completed a Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD degree no more than 12 months prior to the issuance of the Internship Agreement
  • For technical/vocational assignments: enrolled in a specialized technical/vocational institution and must have reached the last year of studies, or have recently graduated within the last 12 months
• Languages: excellent command, both written and spoken, of English or French; working knowledge of the other language may be an asset and may be required for internships in secretarial and assistantship assignments at the Headquarters
• Computer skills: excellent knowledge of computer systems and office‑related software
• Team player: able to work well in a team and adapt to an international work environment
• Communication skills: strong interpersonal and communication skills