UNHCR Is Hiring a Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern: Exciting opportunity – Apply by 3 March 2026

If you are passionate about global affairs, storytelling, digital media, and humanitarian impact, this internship could be your gateway into international communications. The Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern role with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global refugee advocacy from Washington, D.C.

Based at UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Washington, this internship places you at the heart of strategic communications efforts aimed at informing U.S. and Caribbean audiences about refugee crises and humanitarian response.

About UNHCR

Established in 1950, UNHCR leads international action to protect people forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. The agency operates in over 130 countries and has spent decades safeguarding refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, and stateless communities.

For 75 years, UNHCR has remained a global voice for displaced populations, combining emergency assistance with long-term protection and advocacy initiatives.

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Internship Overview

• Position Title: Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern
• Duty Station: Washington, D.C., United States
• Duration: 3–5 months
• Contract Type: Internship (Full-time or Part-time, 20–40 hours per week)
• Start Date: April–May 2026
• Application Deadline: 3 March 2026

This is an on-site internship supporting the U.S. Strategic Communications and Outreach team.

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Organizational Context

The U.S. Strategic Communications and Outreach team plays a critical role in shaping how American and Caribbean audiences understand global refugee crises. The team works with media outlets, builds strategic partnerships, and leads digital campaigns, exhibits, and events that highlight UNHCR’s humanitarian mission.

As an intern, you will gain first-hand exposure to the intersection of journalism, digital storytelling, advocacy, and international policy. The position offers unique insight into how communications strategies advance humanitarian objectives.

Key Responsibilities

The intern will support a wide range of outreach and communications initiatives, including:

• Assisting with media relations and digital media projects
• Supporting multimedia production and graphic design efforts
• Managing and organizing multimedia content
• Monitoring media coverage related to refugees and humanitarian issues
• Researching and responding to information requests
• Attending external events and preparing summaries
• Contributing to campaigns, exhibits, and public awareness initiatives

This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy balancing creative work with research and strategic planning.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited university, or
• Be a recent graduate who completed their studies within the last two years
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in a relevant field

Applicants must also be legally residing in the United States and possess valid work authorization (such as an Employment Authorization Document or permanent resident status) at the time of application.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Proficiency in multimedia production tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Understanding of journalism, communications, and media relations
• Interest in international relations, refugee issues, and humanitarian response
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and work independently with attention to detail

This internship is particularly well-suited for students in communications, journalism, international relations, public policy, digital media, or related disciplines.

Financial Support

Interns who do not receive external financial support will receive an allowance to help partially cover food, transportation, and living expenses during the internship period.

However, interns are responsible for arranging their own housing, health insurance, and legal documentation for their stay in the United States.

Why This Internship Matters

Communications plays a powerful role in shaping public understanding of refugee crises. Through media engagement, digital storytelling, and advocacy campaigns, UNHCR helps ensure displaced communities are not forgotten.

This internship provides hands-on experience in humanitarian communications at a global organization. You will learn how strategic messaging influences policy conversations, mobilizes public support, and strengthens partnerships.

For aspiring professionals in international communications or humanitarian advocacy, this experience can be a career-defining step. You will build a portfolio of multimedia work, gain exposure to global policy discussions, and contribute to initiatives that impact millions of displaced individuals worldwide.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application through UNHCR’s official careers portal. Applicants who wish to showcase multimedia work may also submit a portfolio containing design, presentation, or video production samples.

Because this is a competitive role within a major UN agency, applicants are encouraged to:

• Tailor their CV to highlight communications and multimedia experience
• Emphasize humanitarian or international affairs engagement
• Include links to digital portfolios or previous creative projects

Final Thoughts

The Strategic Communications and Outreach Internship at UNHCR’s Washington office is more than just a learning opportunity—it is a chance to contribute to global humanitarian advocacy.

If you are driven by purpose, skilled in storytelling, and passionate about refugee protection, this role offers invaluable professional growth while advancing one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian missions.

With the deadline set for 3 March 2026, now is the time to prepare your application and take the next step toward a career in global communications.