UNICEF Remote Internship 2026

The UNICEF UPSHIFT Digital & AI Internship 2026 provides an opportunity for university students and recent graduates to gain practical experience with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) through a six-month remote internship.

The position is hosted by UNICEF's Office of Innovation in Stockholm, Sweden, within its Global Programme Division. The selected intern will support the digital development and expansion of UPSHIFT, UNICEF's flagship programme focusing on transferable skills and social entrepreneurship among young people.

UPSHIFT helps young people identify challenges in their communities, develop practical solutions and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills through workshops, mentoring and experiential learning.

As the programme expands across countries, UNICEF is increasingly using digital learning platforms, technology and artificial intelligence to make educational resources more accessible and support programme implementation.

The selected intern will contribute to tracking digital and AI initiatives, organising technology assets, researching emerging tools and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions.

Responsibilities include maintaining digital project trackers, preparing research summaries, organising databases, coordinating project information and exploring opportunities to improve workflows using digital technologies.

The internship is designed for candidates interested in digital technology, artificial intelligence, data analysis, education technology, innovation, business management and international development.

Importantly, the position is officially advertised as remote. Candidates located outside UNICEF's Stockholm duty station are expected to work remotely while collaborating with colleagues across different locations and time zones.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Academic Status: Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD degree programme, or have graduated within the previous two years.
• Academic Background: Study or have graduated in a relevant field, including digital technology, education technology, data science, business management, innovation, development studies, international relations, communications or AI-related disciplines.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English.
• Technical Experience: Have strong experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, particularly Excel/Sheets and PowerPoint/Slides.
• Information Management: Have experience organising information, project trackers or databases.
• Presentation Skills: Have experience preparing presentations, summaries or briefing materials.
• Organisational Skills: Demonstrate effective organisational and time-management abilities.
• UNICEF Values: Demonstrate commitment to care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability.
• Family Relationship: Have no immediate relatives employed by UNICEF or other relatives within the applicant's reporting line.
• Availability: Be able to undertake the six-month, full-time internship.

Additional Skills Considered an Advantage

• Familiarity with digital learning platforms, AI tools or emerging technologies.
• Experience working with international or multicultural teams.
• Experience using AI for research, productivity or workflow automation.
• Basic data analysis and visualisation skills.
• Proficiency in another UN language, such as French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Chinese.

Selected interns can benefit from the following:

• Monthly Stipend: A financial contribution towards living expenses during the internship.
• Remote Working: The opportunity to work remotely when based outside UNICEF's Stockholm duty station.
• Six Months of Experience: Full-time practical experience with UNICEF's Office of Innovation.
• Digital & AI Experience: Exposure to digital learning technologies, artificial intelligence and innovation projects.
• Research Experience: Opportunities to research emerging technologies and prepare findings for programme teams.
• International Collaboration: Experience coordinating with colleagues across countries and time zones.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to strengthen project coordination, research, communication and data management skills.
• Possible Travel Support: UNICEF's general internship policy allows a one-time travel or visa contribution when funding is available, although this is not specifically guaranteed for this vacancy.

Important Funding Information

The official Terms of Reference confirms that eligible interns receive a monthly stipend, but the exact amount and payment currency are not specified.

The stipend is a contribution towards living expenses, not a guaranteed salary or comprehensive funding package.

UNICEF does not provide health or accident insurance for this position. The selected intern must arrange appropriate insurance and provide evidence of coverage.

Accommodation, visa fees, travel and equipment funding are not confirmed as benefits of this specific internship.

Initial Application

UNICEF generally requests the following through its official recruitment portal:

• Updated CV or résumé
• Cover letter explaining interest in the internship
• Completed online recruitment profile
• Educational qualifications and study information
• Relevant academic or professional experience
• Technical skills and language proficiency information
• Other information requested during the online application

After Shortlisting or Selection

Candidates may be asked to provide:

• Academic enrolment or graduation evidence
• Academic certificates or transcripts for verification
• Professional or academic references
• Proof of valid health and accident insurance
• Additional information required for background and safeguarding checks

UNICEF reviews applicants against the vacancy's education, experience, language and competency requirements.

Relevant considerations include:

• Academic background aligned with digital innovation and the internship responsibilities.
• Experience using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Ability to organise project information, trackers and databases.
• Experience preparing research summaries, presentations and briefing materials.
• English communication proficiency.
• Organisational and time-management capabilities.
• Familiarity with AI, education technology and digital tools.
• Ability to collaborate with international colleagues.
• Commitment to UNICEF's core values.
• Overall suitability for the UPSHIFT programme's objectives.

• Remote International Experience: Gain professional experience with a globally recognised organisation without necessarily relocating to Sweden.
• AI & Digital Innovation: Explore how emerging technologies support education and youth development.
• Practical Research Skills: Contribute to technology research, data organisation and innovation tracking.
• Professional Development: Strengthen transferable skills in project coordination, presentations and digital workflows.
• Global Collaboration: Work alongside professionals supporting initiatives across different countries.
• Social Impact: Contribute to a programme helping young people develop entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.