UNICEF Venture Fund Internship 2026 | Paid & Remote

UNICEF is accepting applications for two Venture Fund Intern positions within its Office of Innovation in Stockholm, Sweden. The internship runs for six months on a part-time basis and may be undertaken either in person or remotely.

The UNICEF Office of Innovation works at the intersection of technology, innovation and global development, exploring new approaches and scalable solutions that can improve outcomes for children. Its Venture Fund focuses on early-stage, open-source technologies developed particularly within emerging economies.

Interns will work directly with the Venture Fund team and may support areas including startup sourcing and due diligence, knowledge generation, resource mobilisation, portfolio management and engagement with UNICEF Country Offices.

Typical responsibilities include reviewing company applications, carrying out market research, preparing evaluation notes, maintaining sourcing and portfolio trackers, producing briefs and presentation materials, contributing to investment-related knowledge products, and supporting engagement with UNICEF teams and partners.

The internship is particularly relevant for applicants interested in international development, innovation, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, impact investing, research, data analysis, communications and programme management.

Participants will also have opportunities to strengthen writing, editing, data analysis and professional communication skills while working alongside innovation professionals within UNICEF’s international environment.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or have graduated within the previous two years.
• Relevant academic backgrounds include Social and Economic Development, Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, Innovation, Public Administration or other related fields.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required.
• Proficiency in another UN language – French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish or Chinese – is considered an asset.
• Applicants should demonstrate good academic performance through recent university or institutional records.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills are required.
• Applicants should have good interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 tools, including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams, is required.
• Applicants must be able to participate in the internship on a part-time basis.
• Applicants must have no immediate relatives, such as a parent or sibling, working in a UNICEF office.
• Applicants must not have another relative within the reporting line of authority for the internship.
• Applicants must have medical insurance covering the period and location of the internship.
• Applicants are expected to provide their own laptop and internet connection.
• Previous private- or public-sector experience is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience working in an emerging economy or UNICEF programme country is considered an asset.
• Previous academic, volunteer or professional exposure to innovation-related work is considered an asset.

• Monthly stipend for selected interns, unless the intern is already receiving financial support for the internship from a third party.
• Six months of practical professional experience with UNICEF’s Office of Innovation.
• Option to undertake the internship in person in Stockholm or remotely.
• Practical exposure to startup sourcing, due diligence and innovation investment processes.
• Experience supporting UNICEF Venture Fund portfolio management.
• Opportunity to develop research, writing and editing skills through briefs, insight articles, investment cases and other knowledge materials.
• Opportunity to strengthen data analysis skills through database management, Excel, Power BI and other tools.
• Experience working with UNICEF innovation professionals and international colleagues.
• Exposure to global development challenges and the use of emerging technology to address issues affecting children.
• Professional experience in communication, stakeholder engagement and collaboration across UNICEF teams.

For most UNICEF applications, applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Completed UNICEF online recruitment profile.
• Updated CV or résumé.
• Cover letter tailored to the Venture Fund Internship.
• Recent university or institutional academic records demonstrating academic performance, where requested.
• Any additional information or supporting documents requested through the UNICEF recruitment portal.

UNICEF has not published a numerical scoring system for this internship. Based on the official vacancy requirements, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Relevant undergraduate or graduate academic background.
• Good academic performance.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Competence with relevant Microsoft 365 tools.
• Motivation and suitability for work relating to innovation and international development.
• Relevant private-sector, public-sector, volunteer or academic experience where available.
• Exposure to innovation-related work, which is considered an asset.
• Experience in an emerging economy or UNICEF programme country, which is considered an asset.
• Alignment with UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

• Gain practical experience with UNICEF, one of the world's leading international organisations working for children.
• Develop professional experience within UNICEF's Office of Innovation.
• Learn how emerging technologies and startup ecosystems can contribute to international development.
• Gain exposure to startup sourcing, due diligence and innovation financing.
• Strengthen research, data analysis, writing and communication skills.
• Work with professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Develop experience that can support future careers in international development, innovation, research, public policy, technology or impact investment.
• Contribute to projects focused on scalable solutions for children and communities.