UNICEF is recruiting a UPSHIFT Scale Intern for a six-month, full-time remote internship supporting digital innovation, artificial intelligence and education initiatives. Applications close on 20 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
UNICEF is inviting applications for its UPSHIFT Scale Internship within the Global Programme Division and Office of Innovation. This six-month, full-time internship focuses on digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and educational development.
The internship supports UNICEF’s UPSHIFT programme, which helps young people develop transferable skills and social entrepreneurship capabilities by identifying community challenges and designing practical solutions.
According to the vacancy, UPSHIFT has expanded to 59 countries, with seven million young people completing its learning programmes. UNICEF is working to scale digital learning through platforms such as Google Classroom and the integration of AI-enabled tools.
The intern will support the coordination of digital initiatives, research emerging technologies, organise information and help improve workflows. The vacancy is advertised as remote, with Stockholm, Sweden, listed as the duty station.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNICEF |
| Internship | UPSHIFT Scale Intern |
| Department | Global Programme Division / Office of Innovation |
| Job number | 596280 |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Work arrangement | Remote, as advertised |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Category | Innovation |
| Application deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Salary or stipend | Not specified in the supplied vacancy |
| Official application | Apply through UNICEF Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The successful candidate will help UNICEF coordinate and expand its digital and AI-enabled learning initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Portfolio coordination: Track projects, countries, platforms, milestones, risks and outstanding actions.
- Digital and AI asset management: Maintain records of digital platforms, AI tools, learning content and technology resources.
- Research and innovation: Investigate emerging AI and digital learning technologies and identify opportunities for UNICEF’s programmes.
- Testing and implementation: Support the testing, documentation and improvement of digital solutions and assist with pilot projects.
- Knowledge management: Prepare presentations, briefing notes, dashboards, meeting records and reports.
- Process improvement: Identify repetitive tasks and explore ways to improve or automate workflows using digital and AI tools.
- Programme transition support: Help organise project information, existing resources and implementation records for handover to the Education team.
Expected Deliverables
The intern will help maintain monthly progress reports, digital portfolio trackers, repositories of technology assets, meeting action records and regular research updates on emerging innovations.
This experience may help candidates strengthen their skills in digital project coordination, AI applications, research, reporting, data analysis and international collaboration.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Education
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD programme, or have graduated within the previous two years, in a relevant discipline such as:
- Digital Technology or Education Technology
- Data Science or Analytics
- Business Management
- Innovation and Design
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Communications
- AI application knowledge or a related field
Experience and Skills
Candidates should demonstrate experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, particularly Excel or Google Sheets and PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Experience organising information, managing databases or trackers, preparing presentations and writing briefing materials is also required.
Familiarity with AI tools, digital learning technologies, workflow automation and international teamwork is an advantage. Basic data analysis and visualisation skills are desirable.
Applicants should have strong organisational and time-management skills and demonstrate commitment to UNICEF’s core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability.
Language Requirements
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of additional UN languages, including French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish or Chinese, is an advantage.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The selected candidate must provide proof of health or accident insurance covering the country of assignment and the entire internship period.
UNICEF does not arrange internship visas, although it may provide a note verbale to support a visa application. Applicants should independently check their visa and eligibility requirements.
The internship does not guarantee employment with UNICEF after completion.
Additional Information
Applications close on 20 October 2026. Candidates should carefully review the official vacancy description and prepare the relevant academic and application information before applying.
How to apply: Visit the official UNICEF UPSHIFT Scale Internship page, review the complete requirements and submit your application online.
UNICEF does not charge application, interview or recruitment processing fees. Applicants should use official UNICEF recruitment channels and avoid anyone requesting payment for an application or appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNICEF UPSHIFT Scale Internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting UNICEF’s digital learning, AI innovation and programme coordination work through its Global Programme Division and Office of Innovation.
2. Is the UNICEF UPSHIFT internship remote?
Yes. The vacancy title describes it as a full-time remote internship, while Stockholm, Sweden, is listed as the duty station. Applicants should confirm the specific remote-working arrangements with UNICEF.
3. When is the application deadline?
The closing date is 20 October 2026.
4. Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD programme, or have graduated within the past two years, in a relevant field. They must also be at least 18 years old.
5. What skills are required?
Candidates should have experience using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, managing information and databases, preparing presentations and organising project information. Familiarity with AI tools and digital learning technologies is an advantage.
6. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Additional UN languages are considered an asset.
7. Is the internship paid?
The supplied vacancy does not specify a salary or stipend. Applicants should check the official posting for any further compensation information.
8. Does UNICEF provide a visa?
UNICEF states that it is not responsible for obtaining internship visas. It may provide a note verbale to support an application to the relevant consulate.
9. Will the internship lead to a permanent job?
No permanent employment is guaranteed. UNICEF explicitly states that there is no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
10. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official UNICEF vacancy page.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNICEF UPSHIFT Scale Internship may suit students and recent graduates interested in AI, digital education, data analytics and international development. Its focus on technology research, project coordination and digital innovation offers relevant experience for candidates seeking careers in education technology, programme management or AI-enabled development.
Applicants should confirm the remote-work arrangements, visa requirements, insurance obligations and any compensation details before accepting an offer.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment, internship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNICEF and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. All applications should be submitted through official UNICEF channels.
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