UNICEF Sri Lanka is offering a 26-week Social & Behavior Change Internship in Colombo with a monthly stipend of LKR 109,370. Applications close on 22 October 2026. Sri Lankan nationals only.
Background & Job Description
UNICEF Sri Lanka is inviting applications for a 26-week Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Internship in Colombo. The opportunity is designed for candidates interested in social development, community engagement, communication and humanitarian response.
The selected intern will support UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen community participation, improve communication with affected communities and promote evidence-based approaches to social and behavioural change.
The internship offers practical exposure to United Nations programmes and multicultural working environments. The advertised monthly stipend is LKR 109,370.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNICEF |
| Internship | Social & Behavior Change |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Duration | 26 weeks |
| Monthly stipend | LKR 109,370 |
| Work schedule | Monday to Friday |
| Application deadline | 22 October 2026 |
| Eligibility restriction | Sri Lankan nationals only, as stated in the vacancy title |
| Job number | 595893 |
Tasks and Responsibilities
The intern will work under the supervision of a Social & Behavior Change Officer. Responsibilities include supporting community communication, coordinating accountability initiatives, collecting and using programme evidence, and contributing to monitoring activities.
The role also involves documenting good practices, supporting partner capacity-building activities and helping develop and implement evidence-based strategies for humanitarian and development programmes.
Participants will gain practical experience in social and behavioural change programming, community engagement and UNICEF’s work in Sri Lanka.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet UNICEF’s general internship requirements and the specific qualifications listed for this opportunity.
The requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Being enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD programme, or having graduated within the past two years.
- Holding a recently completed university degree in social and behavioural sciences, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology or a related field, as specified in the vacancy.
- Having at least one year of relevant professional experience in social development programme planning, communication for development, social and behaviour change, public advocacy or a related area.
- Having experience strengthening community structures and accountability to affected people.
- Demonstrating excellent written and spoken English, communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Strong academic performance is required. Previous United Nations experience is an advantage but is not compulsory.
Important: The vacancy title specifies Sri Lankan nationals only. Interested candidates should review the official vacancy requirements before applying.
Additional Information
The internship provides a monthly stipend of LKR 109,370, but interns must arrange and pay for their own accommodation and other living expenses. Applicants must also have valid medical and life or accident insurance applicable to the duty station.
Interns are not UNICEF staff members, and the internship does not guarantee future employment.
Application deadline: 22 October 2026.
How to apply: Visit the official UNICEF Careers website and search for job number 595893. Review the eligibility criteria and submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the UNICEF internship pay?
The advertised monthly stipend is LKR 109,370.
2. How long does the internship last?
The assignment lasts 26 weeks, with a Monday-to-Friday work schedule.
3. Where is the internship located?
The internship is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
4. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a relevant academic background and at least one year of relevant professional experience, alongside UNICEF’s general internship eligibility requirements.
5. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 22 October 2026, according to the vacancy announcement.
6. Does UNICEF cover accommodation and living expenses?
No. The advertisement states that interns receive a stipend but must make their own arrangements for accommodation and other living expenses. Adequate medical and life or accident insurance is also required.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This internship may suit eligible Sri Lankan candidates seeking practical experience in community engagement, social development and humanitarian programming. The monthly stipend and exposure to UNICEF’s work are key features, but applicants should consider the additional living costs and insurance requirements.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNICEF and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all details through the official UNICEF vacancy listing.
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