UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya | Apply Now by September 2, 2026
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Are you looking for a UNHCR internship in Kenya that can help you build professional experience in communications, media, storytelling, social media, photography, video production and humanitarian work? The UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 opportunity in Nairobi offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience with the United Nations Refugee Agency.
The UNHCR Communications Internship 2026 is based at the UNHCR Kenya Country Office in Nairobi. The internship is full-time and is expected to start on October 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted by September 2, 2026.
This UNHCR internship in Nairobi is particularly suitable for candidates with an academic or professional interest in communications, public relations, journalism, media, digital communications, graphic design, photography, video production or humanitarian communications.
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UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 – Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNHCR – UN Refugee Agency |
| Position | Communications Intern |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 |
| Internship Type | Full-time Internship |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | September 2, 2026 |
| Working Hours | 37 hours per week |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Duty Station | UNHCR Kenya Country Office |
| Hardship Level | B |
| Requisition ID | JR2668488 |
About the UNHCR Communications Internship 2026
The UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 position provides an opportunity for an aspiring communicator to learn and develop professional skills while supporting UNHCR’s work on refugee protection and humanitarian response.
The successful UNHCR intern will work under the supervision of a Senior Communications Associate or another designated supervisor. The intern will interact with colleagues within UNHCR as well as media organizations, international organizations, academic institutions and other stakeholders.
The communications team produces a wide range of public-facing materials, including videos, photographs, human-interest stories, graphic design materials, web stories, briefing kits and operational updates.
For candidates interested in humanitarian communications internships, this UNHCR opportunity offers practical exposure to communications work within a major international humanitarian organization.
What Does a UNHCR Communications Intern Do?
The UNHCR Communications Intern will support the communications team with several activities related to media, content creation, website management and social media.
1. Media Monitoring
The intern will help monitor mentions of UNHCR Kenya in the media on a weekly basis.
This can provide valuable experience for students and graduates interested in:
- Media monitoring
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Strategic communications
- Humanitarian communications
- Reputation management
2. Reporting and Briefing Materials
The UNHCR intern will support the preparation of monthly reports under the guidance of the supervisor.
This may include working on:
- Fact sheets
- Briefing kits
- Reports
- Operational updates
- Communications materials
3. Website Management
The Communications Intern will help update the UNHCR website with stories and other public-facing content.
The role may involve uploading and editing:
- Web stories
- Press releases
- Public information
- Communications content
4. Content Production
Content production is an important part of the UNHCR Communications Internship.
The intern may contribute to:
- Video production
- Photography
- Writing
- Editing
- Graphic design
- Visual storytelling
This makes the internship particularly relevant to candidates pursuing careers in digital communications and multimedia storytelling.
5. Social Media Management
The intern will support the communications team in generating copy for UNHCR Kenya social media channels.
Candidates interested in social media communications, digital marketing and public relations can gain valuable practical experience through this responsibility.
6. Events and Press Briefings
The UNHCR Communications Intern will also provide support with administrative and logistical arrangements for press briefings, workshops, conferences and other events.
7. Filing and Documentation
The intern will help maintain an up-to-date filing system for consent forms and other documents relevant to the UNHCR Kenya communications unit.
UNHCR Communications Internship Eligibility
To qualify for the UNHCR internship 2026, candidates must meet the organization’s internship eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be either:
- A current student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at an accredited university or higher education institution; or
- A recent graduate who completed their studies within two years of applying.
Candidates must also have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to or of interest to UNHCR.
Applicants who have previously completed a UNHCR internship must not have exceeded the maximum cumulative full-time internship duration of eight months.
UNHCR Communications Intern – Required Skills
The ideal candidate for the UNHCR Communications Internship 2026 should demonstrate strong communication and organizational abilities.
Important skills include:
- Excellent written English
- Strong spoken English
- Strong writing and storytelling skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Analytical skills
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Interest in humanitarian communications
Experience or skills in the following areas are also advantageous:
- Social media
- Photography
- Video editing
- Graphic design
- Public relations
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Canva
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Educational Background for the UNHCR Internship
Candidates with a background in communications or public relations are particularly suited to the role.
Students or recent graduates with related interests in journalism, media, digital communications, multimedia production, marketing or other relevant fields may also find the UNHCR Communications Intern position relevant, provided they meet the stated internship eligibility requirements.
Adobe, Canva and Microsoft Office Skills
The position places emphasis on practical communications and creative skills.
Knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Illustrator is considered important, while experience with Canva is desirable.
Applicants should also be comfortable using:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
If you are applying for this UNHCR Communications Internship, highlighting relevant software skills on your CV can help demonstrate your suitability for the position.
UNHCR Communications Intern Working Hours
The UNHCR Communications Internship 2026 is a full-time internship.
The working schedule is:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Total: 37 hours per week
The successful candidate will be assigned to support the communications team at the UNHCR Kenya Country Office in Nairobi.
Is the UNHCR Communications Internship Remote?
No. The UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 position is not remote.
The internship is based at the UNHCR Kenya Country Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to undertake the internship on-site in Nairobi.
UNHCR Internship Salary and Benefits
The vacancy information provided does not specify a monthly salary or stipend amount for this Communications Internship.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming a specific stipend unless UNHCR provides one during the recruitment process or in the applicable internship terms.
The main benefit of this UNHCR internship in Nairobi is the opportunity to gain practical experience within a major international humanitarian organization and develop professional communications skills.
Who Is This UNHCR Internship Suitable For?
The UNHCR Communications Intern position may be suitable for:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Recent graduates
- Communications students
- Public relations students
- Journalism students
- Media and digital communications students
- Aspiring humanitarian communicators
- Candidates interested in refugee protection
- Candidates interested in international development
- Candidates interested in social media and digital storytelling
- Candidates interested in photography and video production
This UNHCR internship could be especially valuable for early-career professionals seeking experience with an international organization.
What Experience Do Applicants Need?
This is an internship opportunity, so extensive professional experience is not necessarily the main requirement.
Instead, applicants should demonstrate relevant academic background, communication ability and practical skills.
Experience with writing, social media, photography, video editing, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or Microsoft Office can strengthen an application.
Applicants should focus their CV on relevant academic projects, volunteer work, student activities, communications projects and other practical experience.
How to Prepare Your CV for the UNHCR Communications Internship
When applying for the UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 position, tailor your CV to the responsibilities listed in the vacancy.
Highlight experience related to:
Communications:
Mention writing, editing, public relations, media monitoring or communications projects.
Content creation:
Include photography, video production, graphic design and storytelling experience.
Digital communications:
Highlight social media management, website publishing and digital content experience.
Software:
List Microsoft Office, Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator and Canva where applicable.
Humanitarian interests:
If you have relevant volunteer, academic or community experience, explain how it connects with humanitarian communications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Applicants for the UNHCR internship should avoid submitting a generic application.
Common mistakes include:
- Not tailoring the CV to communications responsibilities.
- Failing to demonstrate writing and storytelling skills.
- Leaving out relevant software skills.
- Ignoring social media or content-production experience.
- Submitting an application after the deadline.
- Sending the application through an unofficial channel.
- Providing inaccurate information about education or previous UNHCR internships.
UNHCR states that applications are accepted through its online recruitment platform and that CVs or application requests sent by email will not be reviewed.
How Competitive Is the UNHCR Communications Internship?
The UNHCR Communications Internship is likely to attract applicants interested in international development, humanitarian affairs, communications and media.
Applicants can improve their competitiveness by clearly demonstrating:
- Strong writing ability
- Excellent English
- Relevant academic studies
- Digital communications skills
- Creative content-production skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Knowledge of communications tools
- Genuine interest in humanitarian work
A well-tailored CV that directly matches the vacancy requirements can make it easier for recruiters to identify relevant qualifications.
Career Paths After a UNHCR Communications Internship
A UNHCR Communications Internship can help build experience relevant to several career paths, including:
- Communications Officer
- Communications Assistant
- Digital Communications Officer
- Public Information Officer
- Media Officer
- Social Media Specialist
- Public Relations Officer
- Content Producer
- Multimedia Communications Specialist
- Humanitarian Communications Officer
- Advocacy and Communications Specialist
The skills gained from a UNHCR internship can also be relevant to communications roles within other UN agencies, NGOs, international organizations and development institutions.
Similar UN and Humanitarian Internships
Candidates interested in the UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 opportunity can also look for internships related to:
- UN communications
- UN humanitarian internships
- NGO communications internships
- International development internships
- Media internships
- Public relations internships
- Digital communications internships
- Social media internships
- Humanitarian affairs internships
How to Apply for the UNHCR Communications Intern 2026
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNHCR recruitment platform before the deadline.
Position: Communications Intern
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Start Date: October 1, 2026
Application Deadline: September 2, 2026
Job Requisition: JR2668488
Official Application
Apply for the UNHCR Communications Intern 2026
UNHCR states that it does not charge applicants fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews, travel, processing or training. Applicants should be alert to fraudulent recruitment offers.
Final Thoughts
The UNHCR Communications Intern 2026 opportunity in Nairobi is a strong option for students and recent graduates who want to build experience in humanitarian communications, media, storytelling, social media, photography, video production and public relations.
With a September 2, 2026 deadline, eligible applicants should prepare their CV and application carefully and demonstrate how their education and communications skills match the responsibilities of the role.
For candidates looking for a UNHCR internship in Kenya, this Communications Intern position provides an opportunity to gain practical experience while supporting communications work related to UNHCR’s refugee protection and humanitarian mission.
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