Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Monitoring & Evaluation Internship

The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Monitoring & Evaluation Internship Programme 2026 is now accepting applications for its upcoming cohort. This prestigious internship, hosted by UNICEF and based primarily in Geneva, New York, or remotely, offers graduate students and recent graduates a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian-development education work.

ECW is the first global multilateral fund dedicated to supporting education for children and youth affected by conflict, natural disasters, and protracted crises. Launched at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, ECW mobilises political commitment, financing, and collaborative programming to deliver equitable, quality education in emergencies.

To strengthen its work, ECW is creating a roster of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Interns who will support results reporting, data analysis, learning, and evidence-building across the Fund’s global portfolio.

About ECW

Hosted by UNICEF, ECW operates under its financial and administrative procedures while maintaining independent governance to guide investments. ECW works across humanitarian and development systems to:

• Inspire political and financial commitment for education in emergencies
• Strengthen accountability and quality of education responses
• Empower local partners
• Facilitate joint programming and sustainable financing for crisis-affected learners

Since its launch, ECW has supported millions of children and youth living in the world’s most challenging environments.

Purpose of the Internship

Under the guidance of the ECW Director and direct supervision of the M&E team, interns will:

• Support monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge generation
• Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
• Contribute to ECW’s 2025 Annual Results Report
• Strengthen organisational information systems
• Gain hands-on exposure to humanitarian and development education programming

Each intern will be assigned a portfolio of countries or thematic programmes based on language skills, geographical interest, and expertise.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Annual Results Report Support

Interns will help:

• Review and quality-check ECW grantee reports and results databases
• Follow up with grantees and internal programme managers
• Code and analyse qualitative data
• Draft sections of the Annual Results Report related to strategic objectives and education outcomes

2. Knowledge Synthesis & Learning

Interns will:

• Conduct literature reviews and background research
• Analyse evaluations and reports at the global or country level
• Review programme evidence using ECW’s evaluation databases
• Develop qualitative data collection tools (interviews, focus groups, etc.)
• Support learning exchanges, webinars, and cross-country workshops
• Produce learning briefs, blogs, presentations, and other knowledge products

3. Data Systems & Information Management

Interns will:

• Support database and tracking tool management
• Contribute to the rollout and testing of a new Information Management platform
• Ensure alignment with M&E processes and data standards

4. Additional M&E Support Tasks

Interns may undertake other assignments as needed and will have the chance to design and complete a personal project during the internship.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be enrolled in or recently graduated (within 3 years) from a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme
• Have an academic background in education, humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, or related fields
• Demonstrate quantitative and/or qualitative analysis skills (Excel required; knowledge of R, STATA, Power Query, or Kobo is a strong asset)
• Have experience synthesising information and drafting analytical reports
• Be proficient in English (speaking, writing, reading)
• Have lived experience in a low- or middle-income country (preferred)
• Have no immediate relatives working for UNICEF or ECW
• Not to be disqualified under UNICEF safeguarding standards

Languages: French or Spanish proficiency is an added advantage.

Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to read the latest ECW Annual Results Report and understand its strategic objectives.

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Internship Details

• Location: Remote, Geneva, or New York
• Working Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week), flexible schedule
• Duration: Preferred 5–6 months
• Start Date: February–March 2026
• Leave: Up to 2.5 days per month
• Work Modality: Primarily remote; office space available upon request
• Time Zone: Interns must be available during Geneva/CET working hours

Applicants in the US or Switzerland are responsible for arranging their own visa/immigration status.

Internship Stipend

Interns receive a monthly stipend, based on duty station:

• USD 1,700/month for New York, Geneva, Copenhagen
• 70% of the GS-3 Step 1 salary for other duty stations

Diversity & Safeguarding Commitment

ECW and UNICEF are committed to:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, or abuse
• Providing reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities

Shortlisted candidates will undergo reference checks and safeguarding screening.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: 19 December 2025 (midnight, EST)
• Positions Available: 5 interns total
• Advertised: 25 November 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

UNICEF Core Competencies for this Role

Interns should demonstrate:

• Partnership-building
• Ethical and self-awareness
• Results-driven mindset
• Innovation and adaptability
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to manage complexity
• Collaboration and teamwork

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official UNICEF Careers portal under Job REQ: 588321.

For FAQs about UNICEF internships:

• https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_faq.html
• https://unicef.sharepoint.com/sites/DHR/SitePages/Internship-Programme.aspx

The ECW M&E Internship Programme offers a unique pathway into international development and humanitarian action, an ideal opportunity for emerging professionals passionate about education in emergencies. Apply now to join a mission-driven team working to ensure every child’s right to learn.

APPLY FOR THE ECW INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME