Apply for the UNICEF Climate Resilient WASH Innovation Internship 2026 — a 6-month remote opportunity focused on sustainability, innovation, and climate action. Earn up to USD 1,700/month while contributing to global WASH initiatives for children.
About the Internship
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications for the 2026 Climate Resilient WASH Innovation Internship, a six-month, remote internship designed for young professionals and graduates passionate about climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.
This internship is hosted within UNICEF’s WASH Innovation Hub under the Office of Innovation, and offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of climate action, public health, and technology innovation — driving real-world impact for children and communities around the world.
Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Location: Remote | Stockholm, Sweden (Copenhagen Hub Collaboration)
Duration: Six (6) months | Full-time (35 hours/week)
Application Status: Closed (Expected to reopen early 2026)
Compensation: USD 1,700/month (location-dependent)
Reference Code: REQ#556426
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them realize their potential. Through innovation and collaboration, UNICEF is transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children — ensuring access to clean water, healthcare, education, and a safe environment.
The UNICEF Office of Innovation pioneers groundbreaking solutions through nine innovation portfolios, including the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Innovation Portfolio — which sources, pilots, and scales transformational, climate-resilient solutions to build a water-secure future for all children.
About the WASH Innovation Portfolio
The Climate Resilient WASH Innovation Portfolio focuses on identifying, testing, and scaling innovative, sustainable solutions to tackle pressing global WASH challenges. These include:
- Digital innovations for water monitoring
- Data-driven tools for resilience mapping
- Social and frugal innovations to improve water access
- Community-based models for climate adaptation
This internship supports UNICEF’s mission to integrate climate resilience into child-focused WASH programming — ensuring clean water and sanitation access even under climate stress.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
The intern will work closely with UNICEF’s WASH Innovation and Climate Change teams, contributing to research, data management, innovation pipeline development, and program evaluation. Key tasks include:
1. Research and Knowledge Management
- Conduct desk research and interviews with UNICEF country and regional teams.
- Collate and present findings for internal and external publications.
- Draft briefing notes on climate-resilient WASH innovation and its impact on child well-being.
2. Data and Project Management
- Maintain and update innovation portfolio data on INVENT (UNICEF’s innovation portal).
- Support the evaluation of portfolio projects, ensuring compliance with data protection and ethical standards.
3. Hub and Partnership Support
- Assist with the development of concept notes and scope of work documents for joint partnerships.
- Support UNICEF’s Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub in Copenhagen through document preparation and coordination with consultants.
4. Innovation Pipeline Development
- Identify and assess emerging WASH innovation solutions.
- Support early-stage evaluations and documentation of best practices.
5. Event and Communication Support
- Assist in organizing virtual and in-person events, including UN Water Conference sessions.
- Draft presentations for partners and donors.
Expected Deliverables
- Monthly summary reports of progress and achievements
- Completed research and briefing documents
- Updated innovation data on UNICEF’s internal platforms
- Evaluation summaries and technical reports on WASH innovations
- Concept notes and presentations for innovation partners
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UNICEF Climate Resilient WASH Innovation Internship, candidates must:
- Education:
Be currently enrolled in or have graduated (within 2 years) from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in one or more of the following fields:- Environmental Science / Policy
- Sustainability Studies
- International Development / Relations
- Innovation and Technology
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Experience & Skills:
- Research and data analysis experience
- Project coordination and communication skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and online collaboration tools
- Strong writing and presentation abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Languages:
- Fluency in English (required)
- Knowledge of another UN language (French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese) is an asset
- Availability:
- Able to commit full-time (35 hrs/week) for 6 months
- Flexible for remote collaboration across multiple time zones
Stipend and Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Up to USD 1,700/month, depending on duty station |
| Working Hours | 35 hours per week (flexible schedule) |
| Leave | Up to 2.5 days per month |
| Insurance | Interns must provide proof of personal health/accident insurance |
| Visa Support | Guidance and acceptance letter provided for visa purposes |
| Mode | Remote, with potential hybrid collaboration with the Stockholm/Copenhagen offices |
Learning and Development Opportunities
Interns will gain:
- Hands-on experience in climate innovation and WASH programming.
- Exposure to UNICEF’s global innovation ecosystem and international partnerships.
- Mentorship from experts in sustainability, climate adaptation, and humanitarian innovation.
- A global professional network across UNICEF’s offices and partner organizations.
Core Values and Competencies
UNICEF’s core values, represented by the acronym CRITAS, underpin this role:
- Care
- Respect
- Integrity
- Trust
- Accountability
- Sustainability
Additionally, interns are expected to demonstrate:
- Collaboration and partnership
- Innovation and adaptability
- Strategic thinking and ethical awareness
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the UNICEF Careers Portal and submit the following:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter detailing motivation, area of expertise, and availability
- Proof of enrollment or recent graduation
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview or written exercise.
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Important Notes
- UNICEF does not charge any application fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- The internship may transition from remote to hybrid depending on organizational needs and global health conditions.
- Candidates must arrange their own visa, insurance, and working equipment.
- UNICEF encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this internship paid?
A: Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend of up to USD 1,700, depending on location.
Q2: Can I apply if I am not currently enrolled in a degree program?
A: Yes, provided you graduated within the past two years in a relevant discipline.
Q3: Is the internship remote or office-based?
A: It is primarily remote, with collaboration via Zoom, Teams, and other digital tools. Some interns may engage with UNICEF’s offices in Stockholm or Copenhagen.
Q4: Do I need previous work experience?
A: No formal work experience is required, but prior research or project experience is preferred.
Q5: What does “Climate Resilient WASH” mean?
A: It refers to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) innovations that help communities adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change, ensuring access to safe water even during floods, droughts, or crises.
Q6: What is the duration of the internship?
A: The standard duration is 6 months, with a possible extension based on project needs and performance.
Q7: Are international applicants eligible?
A: Yes. The internship welcomes applicants from all nationalities.
Q8: When does the next application open?
A: The 2026 cycle is expected to open in early Q1 2026 via the official UNICEF careers website.
Q9: What are the working hours?
A: Full-time — approximately 35 hours per week, with flexible scheduling.
Q10: How can I prepare a strong application?
A: Highlight your passion for climate action, sustainability, or innovation, and showcase any relevant research, academic, or project experience.
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Table of Contents
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