Organization: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Position: Fundraising Intern (Private Sector Partnerships) Location: Montreal, Canada (Hybrid) or Copenhagen, Denmark (Global Hub) Stipend: Approx. $1,576 USD / Month (Paid in local currency) Deadline: 23 January 2026 (Urgent for Montreal Intake)
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is actively recruiting for a Fundraising Intern to join its Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) team in 2026. Unlike many UN internships of the past, this is a fully paid opportunity.
Designed for students and recent graduates who want to use their marketing and communication skills for good, this role offers a rare entry point into the UN system. You will not be fetching coffee; you will be helping to secure the funding that provides shelter, water, and protection to millions of displaced people worldwide.
If you are a bilingual communicator (English/French) with a passion for humanitarian aid, this is your chance to earn a competitive stipend while building a CV that stands out globally.
Also check UNFPA Global Internship Roster 2026: Paid Opportunities in SRHR & Development
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Background & Job Description
UNHCR is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. The Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) unit is the engine room responsible for mobilizing resources from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
As a Fundraising Intern, you will work directly with the “Major Donors” and “Leadership Giving” teams. Your role is to help the team research, cultivate, and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by ensuring financial sustainability. Every dollar you help raise translates directly into emergency relief kits for conflict zones like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.
Paid UNHCR Internship 2026: Fundraising (Earn $1,576 Monthly + Benefits)
Key Responsibilities
You will act as a junior partnership officer, supporting the team with data, content, and event management.
- Donor Research & Intelligence:
- Conduct “prospect research” to identify potential high-value donors (individuals and corporations) in the local market (e.g., Quebec/Canada).
- Map out donor interests to match them with specific UNHCR needs (e.g., matching a tech company with a digital education project for refugees).
- Communications & Stewardship:
- Draft “Impact Reports” and thank-you letters for existing donors, ensuring they understand how their money was used.
- Assist in creating slide decks and pitch materials for meetings with corporate CEOs and philanthropists.
- Event Support:
- Support the logistics of high-level fundraising events (virtual or in-person), including guest list management and invitation drafting.
- Data Management:
- Update the Salesforce (CRM) database to ensure all donor interactions are tracked accurately.
Qualifications
This role requires a mix of “soft” people skills and “hard” organizational skills.
Education
- Status: You must be a current student (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or a recent graduate (completed studies within the last 2 years).
- Fields: Marketing, Communications, International Relations, Business Administration, or Political Science.
Skills & Competencies
- Languages:
- English: Fluent (Required).
- French: Fluent (Required for the Montreal post; highly desirable for Copenhagen/Geneva).
- Tech Savvy: Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) is non-negotiable. Experience with Salesforce or Raisers Edge is a massive bonus.
- Communication: Ability to write professional, persuasive emails to senior stakeholders.
Why Apply for This Position
1. A “Living Wage” Stipend UNHCR now provides a Food and Local Transportation Allowance (FLTA) to all interns who do not have external sponsorship.
- Amount: Approx. $1,576 USD/month (amount varies slightly by exchange rate and location cost-of-living). This allows you to focus on the work, not your bank balance.
2. The “Private Sector” Bridge This internship sits at the intersection of Humanitarian Aid and Corporate Business. It is one of the few UN roles that prepares you equally well for a future career in a non-profit or a Fortune 500 CSR department.
3. Direct Impact You will see the direct link between your work and the field. When a donor signs a check because of a proposal you helped write, you know exactly how many tents or vaccines that check will buy.
4. Leave & Benefits
- Leave: You accrue 1.5 days of paid leave per month.
- Flexible Work: UNHCR supports hybrid working arrangements (e.g., 2-3 days in the office, rest from home).
Application Tips & Insights
1. The “Bilingual” Advantage For the current Montreal opening, being bilingual (English/French) is the #1 filter. Write your cover letter in both languages or explicitly state your proficiency level (e.g., “DALF C1 Certified”) at the very top of your CV.
2. Show Your “Sales” Side Fundraising is sales. Don’t be afraid to highlight “commercial” experience. Did you work in retail? Did you sell tickets for a university event? Mention it. It shows you aren’t afraid to ask people for money.
3. Tailor for “PSP” Do not send a generic “I want to save the world” letter. Write about Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Philanthropy. Show you understand the business of aid.
How to Apply
- Visit the Portal: Go to the UNHCR Workday Career Site.
- Search: Use keywords “Fundraising Intern” or “Private Sector Partnerships”.
- Filter: Select “Canada” (for the Montreal post) or “Denmark” (for global HQ roles).
- Submit: Upload your CV and a tailored Motivation Letter.
- Deadline: The current Montreal vacancy closes 23 January 2026. Apply immediately.
Note: If you miss the January deadline, UNHCR recruits for this profile globally on a rolling basis. Set up a “Job Alert” on the Workday portal for “Internship” to get notified of the next intake.
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