UNICEF is inviting applications for its Venture Fund Internship within the Office of Innovation in Stockholm, Sweden. The six-month, part-time internship offers multiple positions and can be completed in person or remotely, providing students and recent graduates with an opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading innovation teams focused on improving outcomes for children through frontier technologies.
The internship is hosted by UNICEF’s Global Partnerships and Development (GPD) Office of Innovation and supports the Venture Fund’s mission to identify, invest in and scale early-stage open-source technology solutions that benefit children and underserved communities worldwide.
About the UNICEF Venture Fund
Established in 2015, the UNICEF Venture Fund finances early-stage, open-source technology startups developing solutions with the potential to improve the lives of vulnerable children. The Fund invests in frontier technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), assistive technology, drones and data science.
Working across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF’s Office of Innovation brings together entrepreneurship, technology and global development to identify scalable solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges affecting children.
Internship Overview
The Venture Fund Internship is designed to provide practical experience across several innovation and investment workstreams. Interns will work closely with Venture Fund specialists to support startup sourcing, due diligence, knowledge management, portfolio monitoring, resource mobilization and engagement with UNICEF Country Offices.
Successful candidates will gain exposure to innovation ecosystems, startup evaluation processes, research, communications and international development while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across UNICEF.
Key Responsibilities
Interns will contribute to a variety of strategic activities, including:
- Supporting startup sourcing and conducting market research for emerging technologies.
- Reviewing company applications and preparing evaluation notes.
- Maintaining sourcing pipeline and portfolio tracking systems.
- Developing knowledge products such as briefs, presentations and website content.
- Assisting with resource mobilization materials, including case studies and investment summaries.
- Supporting portfolio management through workplan tracking and internal reporting.
- Preparing meeting summaries and engagement materials for UNICEF Country Offices.
- Contributing to strategic innovation projects focused on scaling promising solutions globally.
The role combines research, analysis, communications and project coordination within a fast-paced international innovation environment.
What You Will Learn
The internship offers significant professional development opportunities in global innovation and development. Interns will develop practical skills in writing, editing and knowledge management while producing policy briefs, insight articles and investment materials.
Participants will also strengthen their analytical abilities through database management and data visualization using tools such as Excel, Power BI and Microsoft 365 applications. In addition, interns will collaborate with experienced innovation professionals working across UNICEF’s global Office of Innovation.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or have graduated within the past two years.
- Be studying Social and Economic Development, Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, Innovation, Public Administration or a related field.
- Demonstrate strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Have excellent interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
- Possess good working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance through recent academic records.
- Have no immediate relatives employed by UNICEF or within the reporting line of the internship.
Previous experience in the public or private sector, work in emerging economies and exposure to innovation-related projects are considered desirable.
Internship Conditions and Benefits
The internship is based in Stockholm, Sweden, but selected candidates may complete the assignment remotely or in person. The position is part-time and lasts six months.
UNICEF provides selected interns with a monthly stipend, unless they are already receiving financial support for the internship from another organization. However, interns are responsible for funding their own travel and living expenses, providing their own laptop and maintaining internet access throughout the internship.
Proof of medical insurance covering the internship period is also required.
Languages
Excellent written and spoken English is essential for this position.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language—French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Chinese—is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Why Apply?
This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, venture investing and international development. Participants will gain firsthand experience evaluating innovative startups, supporting investment portfolios and contributing to scalable solutions that address challenges affecting children globally.
For students and recent graduates interested in innovation, impact investing, research, artificial intelligence, blockchain or international development, the UNICEF Venture Fund Internship provides valuable exposure within a globally recognized organization.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 25 September 2026 (Central European Daylight Time).
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all required documents are completed successfully.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application through the official UNICEF Careers portal. Candidates should prepare their academic records and demonstrate how their education, research interests and innovation experience align with the Venture Fund’s objectives.
