Launch Your Career with UNESCO: Multiple Digital Business Solutions Internship Awaits!

Internship Opportunity: Digital Business Solutions at UNESCO

Overview

• Duty Station: Paris Headquarters or Remote
• Type of Contract: Internship
• Duration: 1 to 6 months
• Open to: External Candidates
• Application Deadline: 31 December 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)

Launch Your Career with UNESCO: Multiple Digital Business Solutions Internship Awaits!

UNESCO Core Values

At UNESCO, we uphold the following core values:

• Commitment to the Organization
• Integrity
• Respect for Diversity
• Professionalism

About the Digital Business Solutions Bureau

The Digital Business Solutions (DBS) Bureau is responsible for overseeing the ICT operations within UNESCO. It operates under the Assistant Director-General for Administration (ADG/ADM) and plays a pivotal role in implementing the organization’s digital strategy. The primary goals of the DBS Bureau are:

1. Establishing integrated and standardized project management processes to enhance program delivery.
2. Providing a robust IT infrastructure and efficient service management solutions.
3. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and managing digital risks effectively.

To achieve these objectives, the DBS Bureau is seeking highly motivated graduate or postgraduate students and recent graduates to support its mission. Interns will gain valuable exposure to UNESCO’s operations while contributing to various projects within the Bureau.

Internship Domains and Responsibilities

Interns will be involved in one or more of the following key domains:

1. IT Operations, Helpdesk, Network, Server, and Cloud Management

• Network Monitoring and Configuration:
  • Assist in monitoring network performance and diagnosing connectivity issues.
  • Gain experience in configuring routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Cloud Platform Familiarity:
  • Work with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to configure cloud resources.
  • Assist in migrating on-premises applications to cloud platforms.
• Server and Network Troubleshooting:
  • Support troubleshooting network outages and slow connections.
  • Identify and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• User Support and Helpdesk:
  • Provide basic technical support (password resets, account creation, etc.).
  • Utilize helpdesk ticketing systems to manage requests.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Update and maintain network diagrams and device inventories.
  • Create user guides and troubleshooting documentation.

2. Cybersecurity, Compliance, and AI

• Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI:
  • Assist in deploying and testing AI and Generative AI (GAI) models.
  • Provide input on AI applications for UNESCO’s digital initiatives.
• Cybersecurity Awareness and Training:
  • Develop content for cybersecurity workshops.
  • Educate employees on cyber threats and online safety.
• Phishing Simulations and Security Policies:
  • Coordinate simulated phishing campaigns.
  • Review and analyze cybersecurity policies.
• Vulnerability Analysis:
  • Assist in vulnerability scanning and risk assessment.
  • Provide recommendations for security improvements.

3. Development, Architecture, and Engineering

• Application Development:
  • Design and develop web-based applications.
  • Utilize technologies such as Salesforce, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and Django.
• User Interface (UI) and Experience (UX) Enhancement:
  • Improve application UI based on user feedback.
  • Collaborate with designers and developers.
• Data Management & Visualization:
  • Perform data cleaning and transformation.
  • Develop interactive dashboards using Power BI.
• Debugging and Testing:
  • Conduct software testing and quality assurance.
  • Identify and fix bugs in applications.
• Technical Documentation:
  • Maintain documentation for applications, workflows, and processes.

Learning Objectives

During the internship, candidates will:

• Gain knowledge in project management and UNESCO’s global initiatives.
• Strengthen technical writing and documentation skills.
• Develop teamwork and collaboration abilities.
• Acquire practical experience in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development.
• Enhance interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.

In close collaboration with policy, programme, operations and project teams in the HQs. Regional Hubs, COs, the Programme and Administrative Associate identifies and helps resolve bottlenecks, clarifies and interprets procedures, and escalates complex programme and administrative issues as needed.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide effective support in formulation, implementation, management and monitoring of the Unit’s programme portfolio

Provide programme/project management support to the Unit, such as:
Manage required processes in the system in relation to the work plan and budget implementation.
Monitor expenditures, and support with preparing budget revisions in the system according to the needs of the programme.
Provide PTAEO authorizations; create requisitions; raise receipts; create, implement and submit budget and project award revisions; and project status; determination of unutilized funds, maintain the internal expenditures control system.
Track, monitor and report on the use of project resources.
Conduct budget checks for accuracy of Requisitions, Purchase Orders and Payment Vouchers.
Ensure the compliance of documentation and arrangements for project approval, implementation, general operations, and closure of projects with UNDP policies and regulations.
Generate reports and information on routine implementation of projects and programme/project status.
Review, verify and reconcile financial data and reports to ensure accuracy and conformity with UNDP financial and administrative rules and regulations.
Identify and escalate project related issues, proposing and contributing to the development of solutions.
2. Ensure general operational and administrative support to the Unit
Support the recruitment and issuing of contracts related to IPSAs.
Participation in relevant learning initiatives in order to remain knowledgeable and facilitate effectiveness and efficiency in work responsibilities.
Support the unit’s hiring initiatives in liaison with respective hiring manager and General Support Services Center.
Process official Unit Mission Travel Requests, including timely follow-up action on medical/security clearance, claims, signatures as appropriate and ensuring preparation of the necessary documents in the system, collaborating with GPN’s Joint Directorate Integrated Operations Team (IOT) as needed.
Monitor all travel-related payments for the Unit, liaising appropriately with BPPS IOT/ and BPPS staff in the field, as required.
Provide administrative and logistical support for donor and partner meetings, country/region specific meetings, workshops, trainings, conferences, retreats and any other special events organized by Unit.
Provide inputs into the unit’s administrative business processes mapping and implementation of the internal standard operating procedures (SOPs);
3. Ensure provision of support to manage Unit’s portfolio documentation
Prepare information for the audit of projects and follow-up/support to the implementation of audit recommendations.
Collect and disseminate information related to thematic area, including inputs for donor reports and provides information when requested from various sources.
Follow the established filing and archiving standards and procedures for the Bureau, organize, update and maintain all project/programme-related documents.
Scan and ensure proper digital filing of all Unit documents that must be retained in support of corporate policies.
4. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Organize and deliver programme related training for relevant programme and operations personnel.
Compile lessons learned and best practices.
Provide sound contributions and support to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.
Other:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:
Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively:
Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously:
Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility:
Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination:

Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner:

Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:
Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs.
Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management – Project Management:

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management – Operations Management:

Ability to effectively plan, organize and oversee the Organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best rules in the most efficient manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
Finance – Planning and Budgeting:

Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP’s long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analyzing, and reporting.
Finance – Budget Management:

Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.
Procurement – Procure-to-Pay:

Knowledge of purchase-to-pay cycles, concepts, principles and policies, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Administration & Operations – Travel Desk:

Ability to process and approve Travel Requests, Travel Claims and Expense Report; knowledge of policy and procedures.
Required Skills and Experience:

Education:
Secondary education is required.
Or A first-level university degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in administrative or programme at the national and/or international level is required.
Proficiency in IT software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
Experience with ERP systems is highly desirable (i.e. Oracle Cloud, SAP, Atlas, Quantum or others).
Experience working with UNDP, UN or other international organizations is desired.
Experience in preparation or review of financial reports is desirable.
Experience in procurement processes at national/ international organization is desirable.
Experience in providing administrative and logistical support for donor meetings, country/region specific meetings, workshops, trainings, conferences, retreats and any other events is desirable.
Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.
Note:
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Competencies Required

Candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Innovation
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Planning and Organizing
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required Qualifications

Age

• Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
• Recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD (within the last 12 months).

Note: Bachelor’s degree holders who are not enrolled in a graduate program are not eligible to apply.

Language Proficiency

• Fluent in either English or French (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of the other language is an asset.

Technical Skills

• Excellent knowledge of computer systems and office software.
• Experience with networking, cloud computing, or programming is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong teamwork abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits and Entitlements

• Interns receive 2.5 days of leave per month.
• Hands-on experience in a leading international organization.
• Exposure to global digital transformation initiatives.

Selection and Recruitment Process

Application Process

• The UNESCO Internship Program opens in January and July each year.
• Candidates must apply to the vacancy matching their expertise.
• Selected candidates remain in the internship talent pool for six months.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Prepare a motivation letter and résumé before applying.
• Ensure contact details remain valid for six months.
• Applications must be in English or French.
• No financial compensation is provided for internships.

Important: Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Top Keywords for SEO Optimization

Digital Business Solutions, IT Internship, Cloud Computing, Network Security, UNESCO Internship, Cybersecurity, AI Development, Web Development, Data Analysis, Cloud Platforms, Technical Support, System Administration, UNESCO Careers, Digital Transformation, ICT Operations, Cybersecurity Awareness, Internship Opportunities, Graduate Internships, International Organizations, Technology Careers.

APPLY ON OFFICIAL SITE