UNHCR External Relations Internship in Canberra, Australia – Exciting opportunity | Apply by February 26, 2026

Are you passionate about communications, advocacy, and refugee protection? The External Relations Internship with UNHCR in Canberra, Australia offers a powerful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international humanitarian work while contributing to one of the world’s most important global missions.

Based in Canberra, this internship sits within the External Relations unit and plays a strategic role in advancing public awareness, partnerships, and advocacy efforts across Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific Island countries and territories. It’s an opportunity designed for driven students and recent graduates eager to make a real difference.

About the Role

The UNHCR office in Canberra operates as a Multi-Country Office, covering Australia, New Zealand, and 14 Pacific nations. This broad regional scope makes the internship dynamic and impactful. Interns are exposed not only to Australian refugee policy discussions but also to regional protection frameworks and advocacy initiatives across the Pacific.

The External Relations unit focuses on strengthening public engagement, media visibility, and partnerships that support refugee protection. As an intern, you will help amplify UNHCR’s message and contribute to shaping how forced displacement is understood by governments, media, and the public.

This role is ideal for candidates interested in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, political science, or related fields.

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What You Will Be Doing

The External Relations Intern supports communications, outreach, and public engagement initiatives aligned with UNHCR’s global communications strategy. The goal is to promote awareness, generate empathy, and mobilize support for refugees and displaced communities.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with public outreach campaigns
• Monitoring media coverage and preparing reports
• Supporting social media content and engagement
• Drafting communication materials and messaging
• Contributing to brand awareness initiatives
• Supporting events, briefings, and stakeholder engagement activities

This internship blends creativity and analysis. You may contribute to storytelling efforts that humanize displacement crises while also tracking media narratives and identifying opportunities to strengthen strategic messaging.

Interns are treated as active contributors, not observers. You’ll gain insight into how communications strategies are designed and implemented within a United Nations office.

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Professional Growth and Learning Experience

This internship is structured as a meaningful learning opportunity. It provides practical exposure directly related to your academic background or future career goals.

Throughout the placement, you will gain insight into:

• International refugee law and protection systems
• Government and parliamentary engagement
• Media and stakeholder relations
• Humanitarian advocacy strategies
• Regional cooperation across Australia and the Pacific

Working in a multicultural, mission-driven environment will help you build professional confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of global humanitarian diplomacy.

For those aspiring to build careers within the United Nations system, international NGOs, public policy, or global communications, this internship offers invaluable experience.

Internship Duration and Conditions

The internship is typically offered on a full-time basis, Monday to Friday, during standard office hours. The duration generally ranges from three to six months, depending on eligibility and office needs.

While interns are encouraged to seek financial support from universities or other sponsors, UNHCR provides a Food and Local Transportation Allowance for non-sponsored interns. This allowance helps cover basic daily expenses during the internship period.

Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Canberra, as well as managing visa and medical requirements where applicable.

The structured schedule and professional setting ensure that interns experience the workplace standards of an international organization while receiving mentorship and support from experienced staff.

Who Should Apply?

UNHCR is seeking candidates with a strong interest in communications, journalism, advocacy, or refugee protection. Ideal applicants demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A strong interest in human rights and refugee issues
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Digital and social media proficiency

Professionalism, initiative, and political awareness are important qualities, especially since the office engages with government officials, civil society organizations, and media representatives.

Fluency in English is required, and additional skills in content creation, media analysis, or public engagement are considered valuable assets.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This internship is more than a communications role — it’s a chance to help shape the narrative around one of the most urgent global challenges: forced displacement.

By supporting outreach and advocacy efforts, interns help influence public understanding, promote evidence-based dialogue, and strengthen solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.

The Canberra office offers a unique regional perspective. Its work spans highly developed resettlement countries as well as Pacific nations facing distinct protection challenges. This combination provides interns with exposure to humanitarian diplomacy, policy advocacy, and regional coordination.

Few internships offer such direct involvement in global issues while providing practical communications experience within an internationally respected institution.

Take the Next Step Toward a Global Career

If you are motivated, globally minded, and ready to contribute to meaningful change, the UNHCR External Relations Internship in Canberra could be your gateway into international humanitarian work.

This is your opportunity to build real-world experience, expand your professional network, and play a part in protecting the rights of displaced people worldwide.

Step into a role where your skills matter — and where your work contributes to a mission that truly makes a difference.