Applications are now open for the Save the Children Paid Traineeship Programme 2026, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading humanitarian and child rights organizations. The programme provides paid internship and fellowship placements that allow participants to contribute to meaningful projects while developing professional skills in an international nonprofit environment.
Through structured learning, mentorship, and real-world assignments, trainees work alongside experienced professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children across the globe.
About Save the Children
Save the Children is a global humanitarian organization committed to ensuring that every child has a healthy start in life, access to quality education, and protection from harm. Operating in more than 100 countries, the organization works with governments, communities, and partners to deliver life-changing programmes focused on health, education, child protection, emergency response, and economic opportunities.
The Paid Traineeship Programme offers participants valuable exposure to the nonprofit sector while supporting projects that create lasting impact for children and families worldwide.
Programme Overview
The programme offers semester-long paid internship and fellowship opportunities throughout the year across multiple departments and programme areas.
Participants gain:
- Practical work experience on strategic projects.
- Direct supervision from experienced professionals.
- Structured onboarding and orientation.
- Weekly learning and professional development sessions.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Exposure to international humanitarian and development work.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Career and leadership development support.
Internships and fellowships may be remote or based in Save the Children’s offices, depending on the position.
Programme Duration
The programme follows three annual internship cycles:
- Spring: January to April
- Summer: June to August
- Fall: September to December
Participants typically work 16 to 24 hours per week throughout the semester.
Benefits
Successful trainees will receive:
- Paid hourly compensation.
- Practical experience with a globally recognized humanitarian organization.
- Structured training and onboarding.
- Professional mentorship.
- Networking opportunities with nonprofit professionals.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Career development and skill-building experiences.
- Meaningful work that supports children and communities worldwide.
Areas of Opportunity
Depending on organizational needs, trainees may work in areas such as:
- International Programs
- Child Protection
- Education
- Public Health
- Humanitarian Response
- Communications
- Advocacy and Policy
- Research and Monitoring
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Data Analysis
- Business Operations
- Marketing and Fundraising
- Program Management
Available placements vary each recruitment cycle.
Eligibility Criteria
Internship Applicants
Applicants should:
- Be currently pursuing an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree; or
- Have graduated within the previous six months before the internship start date.
Fellowship Applicants
Applicants should:
- Be graduate or postgraduate students; or
- Have completed their graduate studies within the previous six months.
Additional requirements include:
- Authorization to work in the country where the internship is offered.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Interest in humanitarian work and child rights.
- Ability to contribute effectively in a collaborative environment.
Recruitment Periods
Applications are generally accepted during the following periods:
- Spring Programme: October to December
- Summer Programme: February to March
- Fall Programme: June to July
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as positions are competitive.
Work Locations
Internship and fellowship opportunities may be available:
- Remotely
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
- Other designated Save the Children offices, depending on programme needs
Why Apply?
The Save the Children Paid Traineeship Programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to meaningful humanitarian work. Participants strengthen their technical, leadership, and communication skills, expand their professional networks, and gain valuable insight into the operations of one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations. The experience also helps prepare students and recent graduates for future careers in international development, public policy, education, public health, humanitarian assistance, and nonprofit management.
Interested applicants should review current internship and fellowship opportunities and submit their applications during the relevant recruitment period.
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