UNICEF Ghana is inviting applications for a National Intern – Advocacy (Research) position at its Accra Office. This 26-week internship provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain professional experience supporting child rights advocacy, policy research, evidence generation, and strategic communication.

The internship is designed for young researchers and aspiring development professionals who want to contribute to UNICEF’s mission of protecting children’s rights, improving social services, and creating opportunities for children and young people to reach their full potential.

The successful intern will support UNICEF Ghana’s Advocacy and Communication team by conducting research, analysing policy trends, generating evidence, and contributing to advocacy strategies that influence decision-making.

Location: Accra, Ghana
Duration: 26 weeks
Position Type: Internship

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, support their development, and help children survive and thrive.

In Ghana, UNICEF works with government institutions and partners to advance:

• Child protection
• Education access
• Health and nutrition
• Social protection
• Youth engagement
• Environmental protection
• Equitable opportunities for children

UNICEF Ghana’s work is guided by evidence-based advocacy, strengthened systems, innovation, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with national and international partners.

About the Internship Opportunity

The UNICEF Ghana Advocacy and Communication section plays an important role in promoting the organisation’s mission by:

• Developing advocacy strategies
• Strengthening public awareness
• Supporting policy engagement
• Producing evidence-based communication materials
• Building partnerships with stakeholders

The National Intern – Advocacy (Research) will support these activities through research, analysis, and knowledge management.

The intern will contribute to advocacy work covering key areas such as:

• Child rights
• Education
• Health
• Climate change
• Plastic pollution
• Water systems
• Social protection
• Youth development

Internship Responsibilities

The intern will support UNICEF Ghana through several key areas.

1. Research and Evidence Generation

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting desk research and literature reviews
• Collecting information from national, regional, and global sources
• Analysing data related to advocacy priorities
• Monitoring policy developments and legislative changes
• Preparing evidence summaries
• Developing fact sheets and briefing notes

The intern will help transform research findings into useful evidence for advocacy decisions.

2. Policy and Stakeholder Analysis

The intern will assist with:

• Mapping important stakeholders and decision-makers
• Analysing policies, laws, and government commitments
• Reviewing budgets and development priorities
• Tracking progress on national and international commitments

This work will support UNICEF’s engagement with government agencies, partners, and communities.

3. Knowledge Management Support

The intern will contribute to:

• Maintaining advocacy research databases
• Organising research materials
• Updating information repositories
• Supporting preparation of reports and presentations

4. Advocacy Planning and Monitoring

The intern will support:

• Monitoring advocacy activities
• Documenting advocacy outcomes
• Collecting information for reporting
• Preparing advocacy progress updates

5. Communication Support

The intern will help convert research into accessible advocacy materials, including:

• Policy briefs
• Presentations
• Talking points
• Advocacy messages
• Campaign content

Research Areas Covered

The intern may contribute to research and analysis in areas including:

Child Rights and Social Development

• Birth registration and legal identity
• Child protection
• Youth engagement
• Social protection initiatives

Education

• Foundational learning
• Education access
• Learning outcomes

Health and Nutrition

• Health systems
• Nutrition programmes
• Essential health commodities

Climate and Environment

• Climate change and children’s rights
• Plastic pollution
• Environmental health
• Water systems
• WASH and water security

Expected Internship Deliverables

The intern will contribute to producing:

• Literature reviews
• Research summaries
• Stakeholder mapping reports
• Policy analysis documents
• Advocacy briefs
• Presentations
• Evidence-based communication materials
• Updated research databases

Supervision and Reporting

The intern will work under:

Chief of Advocacy and Communication

and collaborate closely with members of UNICEF Ghana’s Advocacy and Communication team.

Internship Payment

Interns who are not receiving financial support from government or other organisations will receive a monthly stipend.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this UNICEF internship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Education Requirements

Applicants must provide one of the following:

• Proof of current enrolment in an undergraduate or advanced degree programme
• University letter confirming internship requirement
• Current academic transcript
• Degree completion certificate or statement of results showing completion within the last two years

Academic Background

Preferred fields include:

• Public health
• Development studies
• Planning
• Related areas

Skills and Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Research ability
• Strong writing skills
• Data collection and analysis skills
• Ability to prepare reports
• Interest in advocacy and child rights
• Ability to work collaboratively

Language Requirements

Required:

• English fluency

Additional advantage:

Knowledge of:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• Russian
• Spanish
• Local languages

UNICEF Values and Work Environment

UNICEF promotes a workplace based on:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

The organisation encourages applications from people of diverse backgrounds, including candidates of different:

• Nationalities
• Ethnic backgrounds
• Gender identities
• Abilities
• Social backgrounds

UNICEF is committed to inclusion and provides reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.

Important Conditions

Applicants should note:

• Interns are not UNICEF staff members
• Interns must follow UNICEF policies and professional standards
• Interns cannot replace regular staff positions
• Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding UNICEF information
• Selected candidates may undergo background and credential checks

UNICEF does not charge any fees during recruitment, application, interview, or selection processes.

Why Apply for This Internship?

This internship offers young professionals the chance to:

• Gain experience with a leading international organisation
• Develop research and advocacy skills
• Work on child rights and development issues
• Learn about policy analysis and evidence-based decision-making
• Build experience in international development and communication

The UNICEF Ghana Advocacy (Research) Internship is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in research, advocacy, and social impact.

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