Internship – Social Protection, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 16 weeks (Full time), req no 594990

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture.., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Results, for every child, the right to social protection

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to ensure that all of our children survive, thrive and fulfill their vast potential.

In a world that is rapidly changing, children are faced with complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities. UNICEF’s programs are designed to reach and benefit all children so that they can withstand these challenges, leverage these opportunities and be the drivers of their own destiny.

UNICEF is committed to creating a country in which every child is free to learn, play and grow. Our programs work towards providing all children in Sri Lanka with shelter, nutrition, protection and education, wherever they may be. We strive to create communities in which children can live with dignity and hope, free from discrimination, violence and fear.

We make every effort to create and maintain environments that will enable and empower children to be the very best that they can be.

In this way, all children will not only benefit from economic and social growth but will become the driving force behind sustainable national development.

For over 50 years, with the help of our vast network of partners, UNICEF has made significant strides in raising health, education and protection standards for children in Sri Lanka. From achieving Universal Child Immunization (1989) to establishing The National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disaster, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in creating an environment in which children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Yet, many challenges still exist, especially for the most vulnerable. Some national and regional bodies require resources and reinvigoration. Individuals and institutions need to be strengthened, coordinated and aligned with global standards so that children enjoy support in their schools, communities and homes to help them overcome challenges and unleash their full potential into the world.

Due to our long-standing reputation as an experienced, neutral and collaborative partner, UNICEF is ideally suited to drive these efforts. Our history of success in Sri Lanka is built on our ability to tap into a wide network of national and international partners which, in turn, is bolstered by our own far-reaching presence in the field. In working closely with these government, non-government and private entities, UNICEF takes a leadership role, drawing on our technical expertise to accurately assess existing challenges and develop, execute and coordinate solutions that are relevant and scalable on the ground.  For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka

How can you make a difference? 

Background :

The Social Policy Section at UNICEF supports the Government of Sri Lanka in strengthening evidence-based policies, public finance, and social protection systems to improve outcomes for children and vulnerable populations. The section works to promote child-sensitive, inclusive and shock-responsive social protection programmes, advocate for strengthen social sector financing, generate evidence to inform policy decisions, and support coordination among government institutions, development partners, civil society, and UN agencies.

Over the coming months, the section will be engaged in several key initiatives, including support to social protection reforms, the pregnancy voucher assessment, knowledge generation and dissemination activities, and the organization of national and regional engagements. The intern is expected to contribute to these efforts through research, coordination, documentation, data management, and communications support, while gaining practical exposure to UNICEF’s work on social policy and social protection.

Objectives:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Social Policy  Officer (social protection), the intern will support the Social Policy section in the implementation of ongoing programme activities and policy engagement processes.

The internship aims to provide practical experience in social protection, public finance for children, and evidence generation, while contributing to UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen child-sensitive social protection systems and social sector investments. The intern will support programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, research, data analysis, knowledge management, and event organization related to key social policy initiatives.

The intern will gain exposure to:

• Social protection policy and programme design, implementation, and assessment.
• Evidence generation and the use of data to inform policy and programme decisions.
• Public finance for children and social sector budgeting processes.
• Coordination with government counterparts, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
• The planning and delivery of national, regional, and global knowledge-sharing events and policy dialogues.
• UNICEF’s role in supporting inclusive, equitable, and child-sensitive social policies and systems.

 

Key tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of Social Policy Officer (Social Protection) the intern will be responsible for implementing following tasks:

• Support the implementation of ongoing social protection initiatives, including administrative, coordination, and analytical support for the pregnancy voucher assessment and related activities.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and documentation of national and regional meetings, workshops, and consultations, particularly those related to social protection. The role may also provide support for activities related to child poverty and public finance.
• Support stakeholder engagement and follow-up with government counterparts, development partners, UN agencies, consultants, and other partners involved in social protection programmes.
• Assist in the preparation and quality assurance of presentations, briefing notes, reports, concept notes, meeting summaries, and other knowledge products related to social protection.
• Compile, organize, and analyse programme and assessment data, and support the development of evidence-based summaries, and briefing materials for internal and external use.
• Conduct background research and literature reviews on social protection, social care, digital innovation, AI applications, and other emerging issues to inform programme activities and policy discussions.
• Perform other social protection and social policy-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements :

• A) Required Education, Skills, and Experiences:

  • Recently completed or enrolled in a university degree in Social Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
  • Good knowledge of MS Office and data analysis tools.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
  • At least one year experience (full time/ part time) in the fields of Social Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

   

  B) Functional Competencies:

  • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines

  • Accuracy and professionalism during the documentation.  

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including Civil Society Organizations, UN agencies and Government partners and authorities at diverse levels.  

  • Experience of working with UN (United Nations) is an asset but not a prerequisite

  • Recent leadership in child/youth/CSO movements and networks is an asset

   

  C) Language Proficiency:

  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

  • Ability to speak in Sinhala or Tamil will be an advantage.

 

Cost/Expenses:

Interns receive a stipend from UNICEF and must make their own arrangements for living expenses.

Living accommodation and other expenses are their own responsibilities.

Stipend (monthly): LKR 109,370/- per month (4.5 days a week)   

 

Insurance:

• UNICEF accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, the intern must have adequate medical insurance.

• Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work.

 

Learning Opportunities for the Intern:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of UNICEF’s programming on social policy and social protection work and mission of the UNICEF programme in Sri Lanka.
• Develop skills in evidence generation, data analysis, and policy research.
• Exposure to UNICEF’s engagement with government and development partners on child-sensitive, inclusive, and shock-responsive social protection.
• Become more familiar with working in a United Nations / international organization and in a multicultural environment

 

Duration: 16 weeks  

Start date: Sept 2026

 

Intern Status within UNICEF:

• Interns are considered gratis personnel and as such they are not staff members.

• Although not considered a staff member of UNICEF, the intern shall be subject to the authority of the Executive Director and the authority delegated by her to Director and Heads of Offices. Interns are not entitled to the privileges and immunities accorded by member states to UNICEF’s officials and staff members.

• Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.

• Interns may not represent UNICEF in any official capacity.

 

Other Relevant Information

• The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for interns.

• As an intern, you will respect the confidentiality of information that you collect or are exposed to at UNICEF. No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from UNICEF without the explicit written authorization by the Head of Office or Division Director.

• The UNICEF internship program is not connected with employment and there is no expectancy of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to UNICEF staff during the internship period.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the selected candidates’ willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel.
Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable suitable candidate sare encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.