The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Remote Internship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in global humanitarian and development work. ECW is the first global fund dedicated exclusively to education in emergencies, supporting children and youth, aged 3–18, affected by conflict, natural disasters, and protracted crises. Established in 2016, ECW mobilizes international resources and expertise to ensure that children in crisis situations have access to quality education. While hosted by UNICEF for administrative purposes, ECW operates under its own governance, with the ECW Secretariat managing daily operations and programme implementation.
The internship is designed for individuals with an interest in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in the context of education in emergencies. It offers an immersive experience in supporting the assessment of ECW-funded projects, enabling interns to contribute to programmes that directly impact vulnerable populations. Participants will work under the supervision of the ECW M&E team, providing support in data collection, analysis, reporting, and knowledge management.
Responsibilities
Interns will be integrated into the ECW Secretariat’s Monitoring & Evaluation team, assisting with technical tasks to enhance the fund’s reporting and programme effectiveness. Key responsibilities include reviewing and coding reports, ensuring data quality, consolidating programme results, and contributing to the preparation of annual and thematic reports. Interns will also participate in research activities, conduct literature reviews, support evaluations, and assist in knowledge-sharing initiatives. Through these tasks, interns will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of data and evidence in shaping effective educational interventions in crisis-affected regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements to qualify for this internship. Candidates should be at least 18 years old and either currently enrolled in a Master’s programme or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree within the past three years. A background in Education, International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates should demonstrate competence in quantitative or qualitative data analysis, with experience in tools such as Excel, R, STATA, or similar software. Fluency in English is essential, while additional proficiency in French or Spanish is considered an advantage. Individuals with lived experience in low- or middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must not have immediate family members employed by UNICEF or ECW to ensure impartiality.
Internship Details
The internship is full-time, requiring approximately 35 hours per week, and is primarily remote, allowing participants to work from their location while adhering to Geneva/CET working hours. The duration of the internship is 5–6 months, with a start date anticipated between February and March 2026. Interns may take up to 2.5 days off per month, with stipends adjusted accordingly. For interns based in major duty stations such as New York, Geneva, or Copenhagen, the monthly stipend is USD 1,700, while those working from other locations receive a proportionate adjustment. Five internship positions are available for this cycle.
Benefits of the Internship
This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in monitoring and evaluating international education programmes within humanitarian contexts. Interns will develop key skills in data management, analysis, and reporting, while contributing to programmes that support children and youth affected by crises. The remote format provides flexibility, making it accessible to applicants worldwide who can work during Geneva/CET hours. Additionally, interns will benefit from mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, enhancing their career prospects in humanitarian aid, education, and international development.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their application carefully, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria. Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis, with a focus on academic background, relevant skills, and alignment with ECW’s mission. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with detailed onboarding instructions to begin their internship in early 2026.
Participating in the ECW Remote Internship offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to global efforts to provide education in emergencies, equipping interns with the skills, experience, and professional exposure needed to advance their careers while making a tangible impact on the lives of children and youth around the world.
