Preparing and Submitting Your UNICEF Internship Application

Congratulations on taking the first step towards applying for a UNICEF internship! This guide provides essential tips and a step-by-step process to help you create a compelling application. Whether you are applying for the Internship Programme Team, French Speaker Programme Team Intern, or Learning & Engagement Intern, follow these guidelines to increase your chances of success.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Before applying, carefully assess your skills, experiences, and achievements. Identify areas where you excel and align them with the requirements of the specific internship you are interested in. This self-awareness will guide you in crafting a targeted application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

For most UNICEF job applications, you’ll need the following documents:

1. Online Recruitment Profile: Complete your online recruitment profile on the UNICEF website.
2. CV/Resume: Prepare a concise summary of your professional expertise and experience.
3. Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that highlights your suitability for the position.

Step 3: Tips for Your Online Profile

• Be Comprehensive, Yet Concise: Your profile should be clear, succinct, and targeted. Avoid unnecessary length.
• Organize Responsibilities: Group your duties into categories or areas of responsibility for reader-friendly content.
• Highlight Achievements: Showcase the impact and results of your work. Share what you are proud of.

Step 4: Tips for Your CV/Resume

• Key Expertise Introduction: Start with 3-4 lines showcasing your key expertise to grab attention.
• Professional Experience: Detail relevant professional experiences, followed by education and qualifications.
• Language and Skills: Include languages, IT skills, technical skills, and volunteer work.
• Special Experiences or Interests: If applicable, add unique experiences or interests, particularly if you are early in your career.

Step 5: Tips for Your Cover Letter

• Succinct and Personalized: Keep it concise, typically not exceeding one page. Personalize the content.
• Demonstrate Suitability: Provide a brief overview of why you are suitable based on previous experience.
• Include Academic Qualifications: Mention academic qualifications, professional experience length, and language skills.
• Express Enthusiasm: End with a strong expression of enthusiasm and motivation for the internship.
• Check for Accuracy: Ensure your cover letter is free of typos and grammatical errors.

Step 6: Submission Process

1. Begin your online application on the UNICEF website.
2. Save your progress if needed and return to it later.
3. Be mindful of the application deadline and any time zone differences.
4. Submit your application and await a confirmation email.

Step 7: Additional Learning Resources

Explore UNICEF’s Agora, a hub for learning and development, offering a free course on ‘Preparing a Written Application.’ This course provides valuable insights into creating effective written applications.

By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you’ll be well-prepared to submit a strong and tailored application for the UNICEF Internship Programme. Good luck!