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.

For every child, an Advocate

UNICEF has been the leading child-rights organization, and a respected partner, for saving and improving children’s lives. In Ghana, UNICEF cooperates with the Government and other partners to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to ensure equitable access to quality social services, and to expand children’s opportunities to reach their full potential. With offices in Accra and Tamale, the UNICEF team seeks to achieve results in strategic programme areas. The overall goal is for every child to survive and thrive, to live in a safe and clean environment, to learn, to be protected from violence and exploitation, and to have an equitable chance in life. The current Country Programme of cooperation is aligned with the Government priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) and Key Results for Children (KRCs) in the West and Central African Region (immunization, nutrition, learning outcomes, ending violence and open defecation). UNICEF main strategies include evidence-based advocacy, system strengthening, integrated programming across sectors, emergency preparedness and response, and innovation.

Kindly click on the link https://www.unicef.org/ghana/ to know more about what we do.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of Internship

The Intern will support the overall efforts of the unit to build partnerships and mobilize an appropriate and sustainable resource base for programmes.  In addition, the incumbent will support development and implementation of new resource mobilization strategy, gathering analysis of the private and public partners in the country, maintaining the internal information systems, including tracking of the funding pipeline, trends, gaps, developing new tools and procedures, and supporting the development of UNICEF’s strategic partnerships with private sector, bi-lateral and multi-lateral partners.

Main Activities to be completed

1. Assist with the external and internal analysis to identify opportunities for resource mobilization from institutional and private sector partners:
   1. Conduct desk research to scan for funding opportunities in Ghana and internationally, aligned with UNICEF’s priorities.
   2. Help benchmark the contributions of key partners to the development and humanitarian efforts in Ghana.
   3. Identifying potential engagement opportunities through platforms such as public-private forums, conferences, corporate social responsibility events, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
   4. Monitor partners’ websites, social media, and publications to gather updated information on their strategies and activities in Ghana.
2. Contribute to the preparation of background materials and presentations:
   1. Assist in drafting briefing notes and presentations on current and prospective partners.
   2. Help compile data and visuals on funding trends, thematic focus areas, and partnership pipelines for internal use.
3. Support internal partnership processes and data management:
   1. Assist with due diligence processes by supporting data entry, tracking, and updates in UNICEF systems (e.g., UNISON, SharePoint).
   2. Help maintain organized records and trackers for partnership development activities.
4. Assist in updating the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Strategy, including the action plan:
   1. Help gather data, research, and insights to support the review and updating of strategy documents.
   2. Collaborate with the team in drafting action points and recommendations, under guidance
5. Support the Partnerships and Programme teams in preparations for field visits with the partners:
   1. Assist in logistical preparations, including coordinating materials and partners' briefings for the field visits.
   2. Help track partner engagement and ensure timely communication related to field visit arrangements.
6. Contribute to the development of a set of compelling communication and visibility assets: assist in creating fact sheets, standard slide presentations, as may be required for the partner's audience.
7. Support document management for donor relations: assist in organizing and maintaining key donor-related documents (proposals, reports, correspondence, field trip documentation, donor visibility materials, etc.)

Expected Deliverables

• A summary report mapping institutional and private sector funding opportunities aligned with UNICEF Ghana’s priorities.
• A set of updated briefing notes and PowerPoint presentations on current and prospective partners.
• A visual compilation (charts/tables) of funding trends, thematic focus areas, and partnership pipeline data for internal planning and strategy.
• Updated and well-maintained due diligence records and partnership data in UNICEF systems.
• Drafted inputs and recommendations for updating the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Strategy, based on research and internal feedback.
• Coordinated materials and partner briefings for the field visits, ensuring clear documentation and smooth logistical preparation.
• Development or co-creation of compelling fact sheets and partner-facing presentations to enhance UNICEF’s visibility and communication efforts with donors.
• Organized and structured digital archive of donor-related documents (proposals, reports, trip notes, etc.) for improved access and tracking.
• Participation in internal team and partner meetings, with documented notes and reflections to support learning and broader engagement with UNICEF’s work.

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

• Proof of enrolment in an undergraduate or advanced degree programme, in a reference letter from school confirming that the student requires an internship.

OR

• Up-to-date university transcript or Statement of result/certificate evidencing completion of a degree within the last two years (if applicable).
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Academic background in Business and Administration, Economics, Social Science, Public Relations, International Affairs, Communications, Marketing, or any other related field
• Demonstrated experience in coordination and strong writing skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software packages such as MS Word, Publisher, Excel, and other related software packages.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) and/or local language(s) is an asset.
• Have no relatives (father, mother, brother, or sister) working in any UNICEF office.
• Have no other relatives in the line of authority to which the intern will report to.

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 | 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 may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

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 female candidates are 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.