In 2026, the challenge of ending global poverty and achieving social justice requires more than just goodwill—it requires fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a commitment to gender equality. CARE International, one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations, is launching its 2026 Global Internship Programs to recruit talented students and recent graduates who are ready to put women and girls at the center of crisis response and long-term development.
An internship at CARE in 2026 is an immersive experience in a global federation that operates in over 100 countries. Whether you are working on climate resilience projects in Zimbabwe, supporting emergency logistics in Atlanta, or conducting high-level research in Geneva, you will be part of a movement that has been fighting for human dignity for over 80 years. As CARE implements its 2023–2026 Strategy, interns are given real responsibility to help move power into the hands of local communities.
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Background & Organizational Context
CARE International is a leading global confederation dedicated to saving lives and defeating poverty. What sets CARE apart is its unwavering focus on women and girls. Evidence shows that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. In 2026, CARE is specifically focusing on “Localization”—ensuring that 90% of its staff are from the countries where they work and that local organizations lead the frontlines of crisis response.
The 2026 internship cohort will support CARE’s goal of reaching 50 million women and girls with gender equality programming and 75 million people with food and nutrition security. Interns are not just “helpers”; they are technical contributors who help bridge the gap between global policy and local impact.
Multiple Internship Tracks for 2026
CARE International offers a variety of specialized tracks depending on your academic background and career goals. Here are the primary positions available in the 2026 cycle:
1. Resilience & Sustainable Livelihoods Intern
- Focus: Climate adaptation and food security.
- Responsibilities: Supporting the RECLAIM Project or similar initiatives. You will assist in field data collection, mobilize farmer groups for training, and document “success stories” from community-led resilience programs.
- Ideal for: Students of Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies, or Development Studies.
2. Gender Equality & Protection Intern
- Focus: Upholding the rights of women and girls in crisis zones.
- Responsibilities: Assisting in the development of “Gender in Emergencies” (GiE) toolkits, researching local barriers to education for girls, and supporting protection monitoring in refugee settings.
- Ideal for: Social Work, Women’s Studies, or Human Rights majors.
3. Research, Data, and Strategic Learning Intern
- Focus: Evidence-based programming.
- Responsibilities: Working with the Impact Evaluation team to analyze program data. You will help visualize “reach vs. impact” metrics using tools like PowerBI and conduct literature reviews on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- Ideal for: Statistics, Data Science, or Economics students.
4. Humanitarian Operations & Logistics Intern
- Focus: The “backbone” of aid delivery.
- Responsibilities: Assisting the global supply chain team in tracking core relief items, supporting procurement processes for emergency response, and coordinating with regional logistics hubs.
- Ideal for: Supply Chain Management or Business Administration students.
CARE International Internship Programs 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of Global Humanitarian Leaders
Qualifications & Eligibility
Education
- Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months.
- Accreditation: Your institution must be recognized by relevant national or international bodies (e.g., UNESCO).
Technical & Soft Skills
- Digital Fluency: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 is essential. Experience with data visualization or graphic design (Canva/Adobe) is a plus.
- Language: Fluency in English is mandatory. A working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is highly desirable for regional roles.
- Mindset: A strong commitment to CARE’s core values: Transformation, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Equality.
Why Apply for This Position
- Professional Mentorship: You will be paired with a seasoned humanitarian professional who will guide your professional development and help you navigate the NGO sector.
- Global Networking: Connect with a diverse network of staff and fellow interns from across the CARE federation, building relationships that span continents.
- Meaningful Contribution: Your work directly supports programs that save lives—whether through clean water initiatives, maternal health services, or economic empowerment.
- Pathway to Employment: While an internship doesn’t guarantee a job, many CARE interns successfully transition into Consultancy or Officer-level roles upon graduation.
Application Tips & Insights
- Highlight the “Why”: CARE is mission-driven. Your cover letter should clearly explain why you are passionate about gender equality and the localization of aid.
- Be Region-Specific: If applying for a country office role (e.g., CARE Zimbabwe), research their specific ongoing projects and mention how your skills can contribute to them.
- Quantify Your Experience: Instead of saying you “did research,” say you “analyzed data from 15 community surveys to produce a report on water access.”
- Show Cultural Humility: CARE values staff who listen more than they speak. Highlight any experience you have working in diverse or multicultural settings.
How to Apply
CARE International manages its recruitment through various regional and national portals. To apply for the 2026 internship programs, follow these steps:
- CARE USA & Global Roles: Visit the CARE USA Careers Portal and search for “Intern” in the job title field.
- CARE International UK: For advocacy and policy roles, visit the CARE UK Work With Us page.
- Regional & Country Offices: Check the specific websites of the country office you are interested in
- Application Documents: Ensure you have a PDF CV, a Cover Letter, and the contact details of three references ready for upload.
- ReliefWeb: Many of CARE’s global internship vacancies are also cross-posted on ReliefWeb Jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are CARE internships paid in 2026? Many CARE internships provide a Monthly Subsistence Allowance (MSA) or a stipend to help cover travel and food costs. Specific amounts vary by country and funding source (e.g., the Fondation David R. Graham scholarship for climate interns).
2. Can I intern remotely for CARE? Yes, several HQ and regional roles (specifically in Research, Data, and Communications) offer remote or hybrid work arrangements for the 2026 cycle.
3. Does CARE provide visa support? Generally, for internships, candidates are expected to have the right to work in the country of the duty station. However, for specific international headquarters roles, CARE may provide a letter of support for visa applications.
4. How long do the internships last? Most programs run for 3 to 6 months, with both full-time (35 hours/week) and part-time (15-20 hours/week) options available to accommodate students.
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