UNICEF Paid Internship – $17.50 Hourly for Public Affairs Intern in Washington D.C. (Apply Now)
Looking for a UNICEF paid internship that combines hands-on experience with the opportunity to contribute to global change? UNICEF USA is offering an exciting Public Affairs Internship for students interested in public policy, international development, and human rights. As a UNICEF Intern, you will be part of a dynamic team working to advance policy changes for children. Based in Washington, D.C., this internship offers flexibility with remote work options for students. You will receive a competitive hourly wage of $17.50, and the role allows you to support advocacy campaigns and legislative efforts, all while gaining valuable experience in the nonprofit sector. Apply now to be a part of UNICEF’s mission to ensure every child has a voice in shaping their future.
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Background & Job Description
UNICEF USA, the American arm of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), strives to create a world where every child has an equal opportunity for survival, development, and protection. With over 80 years of impactful work, UNICEF has been at the forefront of addressing the most pressing challenges facing children, from health care and nutrition to education and emergency relief. UNICEF USA contributes to the global mission of UNICEF by rallying public support in the U.S., enabling Americans to take action and support initiatives that protect the most vulnerable children worldwide.
In line with this mission, UNICEF USA is currently offering an internship opportunity to students who are passionate about public policy, international development, and child rights. The Public Affairs Internship allows individuals to gain firsthand experience in advocacy, policy change, and grassroots mobilization. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals to develop strategies that further UNICEF’s advocacy agenda, engage with key stakeholders, and support legislative efforts to secure better futures for children.
This internship is part of the UNICEF USA Internship Program, which is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, training, and mentorship in their chosen fields. The program spans the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, offering flexible hours and the potential for college credit, depending on the academic institution’s policies.
Tasks
As a Public Affairs Intern with UNICEF USA, you will be tasked with supporting a range of activities within the Public Affairs Team. Your responsibilities will provide exposure to public policy advocacy, coalition-building, and communication strategies. Some of the key tasks include:
- Supporting Congressional Meetings:
You will assist the Public Affairs Team in planning and executing meetings with members of Congress to advance UNICEF’s policy priorities. This includes preparing materials, coordinating schedules, and ensuring smooth logistics for meetings. - Advocacy Campaign Coordination:
Collaborate with the team to develop and implement advocacy campaigns. These campaigns aim to raise awareness and mobilize supporters to take action on critical issues affecting children. - Reporting on Policy Campaigns:
The intern will contribute to tracking and analyzing the performance of policy campaigns. You will create reports that summarize engagement data and provide insights for future advocacy efforts. - Tracking Policy Advancements:
You will monitor key legislation related to children’s rights, compile updates on policy developments, and ensure that the team stays informed on any new opportunities or challenges related to UNICEF’s advocacy goals. - Coalition Engagement:
Participate in coalition working group meetings, where you will share information, gather intelligence, and help identify opportunities for advancing UNICEF’s priorities at the national level. - Content Creation:
Draft written content to highlight UNICEF USA’s policy advancements. This content will be used in various communication channels, including newsletters, reports, and social media platforms. - Event Support:
Assist in organizing UNICEF USA events, which may involve key stakeholders such as UNICEF staff, legislators, and advocacy partners. This includes logistics, event promotion, and post-event follow-up. - Policy Strategy Tools:
Support the development and refreshing of policy strategy tools, particularly those related to tracking key legislators and state-level legislation. - Summarizing Legislative Hearings:
Attend hearings either in person or virtually, where you will listen to discussions on children’s rights and related topics. Afterward, you will summarize the hearings and report key insights to the team.
UNICEF PAID Internships – $17.50 Hourly | Internship in Washington D.C.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. The internship is open to students in various fields, including public policy, international development, human rights, nonprofit management, or related disciplines. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong academic background and a passion for global advocacy, policy change, and child rights.
Experience
While previous internship or volunteer experience in advocacy, public policy, or related fields is desirable, it is not a requirement for this position. Interns will receive on-the-job training and mentorship from UNICEF USA’s experienced team members. The following experiences would be beneficial:
- Community Organizing: Experience mobilizing communities or grassroots efforts, including engaging with volunteers or supporters.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Participation in or support for public policy campaigns that aim to create systemic change.
- Legislative Tracking: Familiarity with the legislative process and tracking bills or legislation, particularly related to social justice, child welfare, or global development.
- Public Speaking & Presentations: Experience presenting information to groups or stakeholders, especially in advocacy or policy settings.
Skills
- Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, including the ability to write clear and concise reports and content for different platforms.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including colleagues working remotely or across different time zones.
- Tech Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is preferred. Familiarity with content management systems and social media platforms is also an advantage.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial, particularly for engagement with international stakeholders. UNICEF internship, paid internship, public affairs internship, advocacy internship
Additional Information
- Location:
The internship is based in Washington, D.C., or a commutable distance. Remote work is available within the U.S., provided the intern is able to work within the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone. - Compensation:
Interns will receive an hourly wage of $17.50, with up to 30 hours per week available. This role offers a great opportunity for students to gain professional experience in public policy and advocacy while contributing to a cause that directly impacts children worldwide. - Eligibility:
Candidates must have authorization to work in the U.S. and be eligible to work for any U.S. employer without sponsorship. Interns must also be at least 18 years old and meet the legal requirements for employment. - Duration:
The internship lasts 8 to 12 weeks and aligns with the Fall, Spring, or Summer academic terms. Interns must commit to working within the standard working hours of EST time zone. - Equal Opportunity:
UNICEF USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing a supportive environment for all employees and interns. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
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