The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) fund, managed by UNICEF, is dedicated to delivering education in emergencies and crisis-affected regions. ECW focuses on ensuring that children and youth who face conflict, natural disasters, or displacement can access safe and quality learning opportunities. In 2026, ECW is offering a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) internship designed for highly motivated recent graduates and master’s students seeking hands-on experience in the international humanitarian and development sector. This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to programs that have a direct impact on education for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Importance of the Internship
Interns at Education Cannot Wait (ECW) gain practical exposure to the operational, analytical, and strategic aspects of international humanitarian work. The program allows participants to engage directly in the collection, assessment, and analysis of data from projects implemented in various countries, enhancing learning outcomes and overall program effectiveness. By participating in this internship, candidates play a role in shaping education programs in regions where access to schooling is often disrupted, thereby contributing to a global mission of equitable and inclusive education.
Internship Details
- Duration: The internship lasts between five to six months, with an expected start date between February and March 2026.
- Location: While administratively based in Geneva, Switzerland, the internship allows remote participation for international applicants. Remote interns must be available during Geneva working hours. Office space is available in Geneva and New York for those located in these cities.
- Stipend: Selected interns will receive a monthly allowance, providing financial support for the duration of the program.
Key Responsibilities
Interns are expected to actively support the M&E functions of Education Cannot Wait(ECW). Responsibilities include:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering qualitative and quantitative data from Education Cannot Wait(ECW)-supported education programs worldwide. Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data is a key aspect of this role.
- Report Contribution: Assisting in drafting sections of Education Cannot Wait(ECW) annual results reports, including analyzing program achievements, challenges, and the overall impact of educational initiatives.
- Research and Literature Review: Conducting literature reviews, mapping evaluations across countries, and identifying trends, gaps, and lessons learned to inform program improvements.
- Knowledge Sharing and Systems Support: Supporting learning exchanges, enhancing ECW’s data management systems, and contributing to processes that improve program monitoring and reporting efficiency.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidates for this internship are:
- Recent graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or current master’s students, preferably in education, international development, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or related fields.
- Individuals with strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel. Knowledge of additional software such as R, STATA, or PowerQuery is advantageous.
- Those with a keen interest in monitoring and evaluating international education programs and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
- Applicants comfortable with the Geneva time zone schedule for remote work, and those who are adaptable to working across different time zones and online platforms.
- Candidates from low- and middle-income countries are strongly encouraged to apply to bring diverse perspectives and insights to ECW’s global initiatives.
Professional Benefits
This internship provides exceptional career development opportunities. Interns gain practical experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and report writing, skills that are highly valuable in the humanitarian, development, and international education sectors. Participants also gain exposure to a high-level international organization, working alongside experienced professionals and experts in crisis education. The role provides networking opportunities, practical insights into global education funding, and the chance to contribute to initiatives that directly affect thousands of children and youth worldwide.
Application Process
The application process is competitive, with only a limited number of interns selected each year. Interested candidates should submit their applications before the stated deadline. Early application is recommended to increase the likelihood of selection. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate both strong technical skills and a genuine commitment to advancing education in emergency settings.
By joining the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) internship program, participants can expect a meaningful, impactful, and professionally enriching experience, gaining insights and skills that will serve as a foundation for future careers in international development and humanitarian work.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:December 19, 2025
