Deadline for ApplicationsMarch 3, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)H (no hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeInternship
Target Start Date2026-04-01
Terms of ReferenceTerms of Reference
Internship
Strategic Communications and Outreach, MCO Washington
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeking applicants for a part-time or full-time internship with the Strategic Communications and Outreach Unit at Multi-Country Office Washington.
Established in December 1950, UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for asylum-seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. For 75 years, UNHCR continues to use its long expertise to protect and care for millions.
Title: Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern
Duty Station: Multi-Country Office Washington
Duration: 3-5 months
Contract Type: Internship
Start date: April - May 2026
Organizational context
The U.S. Strategic Communications and Outreach team provides information on global refugee crises and UNHCRโs role protecting and assisting refugees to U.S. and Caribbean media outlets and engages U.S. audiences through strategic partnerships, digital outreach, campaigns, exhibits and events.
The position
The intern will gain unique knowledge about UNHCRโs global role, capabilities, programs, and impact, and the role of communications and outreach in achieving UNHCRโs mandate.
Duties and responsibilities
โข Support staff with outreach, including media relations, digital media, multi-media projects, events, exhibits and campaigns to ensure public awareness and support for refugees and UNHCRโs work;
โข Assist in the production of multimedia projects, graphic design, digital media;
โข Assist in the management of multimedia content;
โข Assist with monitoring media coverage of UNHCRโs work, refugees, asylum-seekers, and humanitarian assistance;
โข Research and respond to information requests from the general public;
โข Attend relevant external events and prepare summaries of content;
โข Undertake other projects as needed to further assist the U.S. Strategic Communications and Outreach teamโs work.
Minimum qualifications required
In order to be considered for an internship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
โข Be either a recent graduate (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or a current student in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by IAU/UNESCO; and
โข Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant or of interest to the work of UNHCR.
Desirable qualifications and skills
โข Proficiency in multimedia production tools and software, such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, InDesign or Premiere Pro;
โข Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
โข Possess an understanding of journalism, media relations and communications;
โข Demonstrated commitment or strong interest in international relations, refugee issues, and humanitarian response;
โข Superior command of the English language with excellent written and oral communication skills;
โข Ability to multi-task and prioritize with minimal supervision. Attention to detail required.
Conditions
It is a full/part-time on-site role with a 20-40 hours per week commitment. The successful candidate will be assigned to support the team in Washington, DC.
Allowance: Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive an allowance to partially help to cover the cost of food, local transportation and living expenses.
All applicants must be legally residing in the United States and possess a valid work permit (Employment Authorization Document - EAD) or permanent resident status at the time of application.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit their application through www.unhcr.org/careers.html click on vacancies.
Supplemental Application details: Applicants who would like to submit a portfolio of multimedia work including design, presentations and/or video production may email a portfolio of work samples (in one PDF file or personal website) to usawausm@unhcr.org by the application deadline.
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training.
We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages English
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis is an onโsite local internship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Work authorization includes a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship.This position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo