Save the Children Paid Traineeship Programme has opened applications for its Paid Internship and Fellowship Programme, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to programs that improve the lives of children around the world.
The programme provides semester-long paid placements across multiple departments, combining meaningful project work, professional mentoring, structured learning, and exposure to the international humanitarian and non-profit sector.
Whether you are pursuing a career in international development, humanitarian assistance, education, public health, communications, finance, technology, or policy, the programme offers valuable experience that can help launch your professional journey.
About the Save the Children Traineeship Programme
The Save the Children Internship and Fellowship Programme is designed to provide participants with real-world experience through hands-on work that supports the organization’s mission of protecting children’s rights and improving their health, education, and well-being.
Participants work alongside experienced professionals on strategic projects while developing practical skills, expanding their professional networks, and gaining insight into how one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations operates.
Internships and fellowships are available throughout the year and may be completed remotely or from selected Save the Children offices.
Programme Highlights
Participants benefit from:
- Paid internship and fellowship opportunities
- Semester-long placements
- Flexible work schedules
- Remote and office-based opportunities
- Real project experience
- Professional mentoring
- Structured learning sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Career development support
- Exposure to the humanitarian and non-profit sector
Internship Locations
Depending on the role, participants may work:
- Remotely
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
Work arrangements vary according to the specific internship or fellowship position.
Areas of Opportunity
Internship and fellowship opportunities may be available across a wide range of departments, including:
- International Development
- Humanitarian Response
- Child Protection
- Education
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Communications
- Marketing
- Digital Media
- Advocacy
- Policy
- Research
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Information Technology
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Operations
- Program Management
- Business Development
- Supply Chain
- Grants Management
Available positions vary throughout the year.
What You’ll Do
Participants work under the guidance of experienced Save the Children professionals while contributing to meaningful organizational projects.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Supporting strategic initiatives
- Conducting research
- Assisting with programme implementation
- Preparing reports and presentations
- Supporting communications activities
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Participating in meetings and learning sessions
- Assisting with project coordination
- Contributing to humanitarian and development programmes
Programme Benefits
The programme offers numerous professional development opportunities, including:
- Paid hourly wages
- Flexible working hours
- Professional mentorship
- Structured onboarding
- Orientation programme
- Weekly learning sessions
- Networking events
- Collaborative team experience
- Career development support
- Exposure to global humanitarian work
Participants typically work between 16 and 24 hours per week during the internship period.
Internship Duration
Internships are offered during three annual cycles:
Spring Internship
- January to April
Summer Internship
- June to August
Fall Internship
- September to December
Recruitment Periods
Applications are generally accepted during the following periods:
- Spring: October to December
- Summer: February to March
- Fall: June to July
Application timelines may vary depending on the specific opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements
Internship Applicants
Applicants should:
- Be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree, or
- Have graduated within six months of the internship start date
Fellowship Applicants
Applicants should:
- Be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme, or
- Have graduated within six months of the fellowship start date
Additional requirements include:
- Authorization to work in the United States
- International applicants must possess appropriate student work authorization where applicable
Housing and relocation assistance are not provided.
Skills and Qualities
Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Teamwork
- Initiative
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving ability
- Interest in humanitarian work
- Professionalism
- Organizational skills
- Passion for improving children’s lives
Why Join Save the Children?
Save the Children is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, healthcare, protection, emergency response, and long-term development programmes.
Interns and fellows gain practical experience while contributing to projects that create meaningful and lasting impact for children and communities worldwide.
The programme also provides valuable exposure to international development, humanitarian operations, and nonprofit leadership.
Application Process
Applicants typically complete the following steps:
- Search current internship and fellowship opportunities.
- Submit an online application.
- Upload a current CV or résumé.
- Participate in interviews if shortlisted.
- Complete onboarding before the internship begins.
Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
Conclusion
The Save the Children Paid Traineeship Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in the humanitarian sector while developing professional skills through mentorship, structured learning, and meaningful project work. Participants not only strengthen their careers but also contribute to programmes that help improve the lives of children across the globe.
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