Save the Children International has opened applications and recruitment pathways for its 2026 Graduate Trainee and Global Internship Programme, offering young professionals and students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of the world’s largest child-focused humanitarian organizations.
The programme is designed for recent graduates, final-year students, and early-career professionals seeking to build careers in international development, humanitarian response, public policy, finance, innovation, and child protection.
Operating across global headquarters, regional hubs, and country offices in locations including London, Nairobi, Washington D.C., Fairfield, and multiple field missions worldwide, the initiative combines structured mentorship, professional development, and practical exposure to global humanitarian operations.
According to Save the Children, participants will work alongside experienced professionals supporting programmes aimed at ensuring children survive, learn, and remain protected amid growing global challenges such as conflict, economic instability, climate emergencies, and displacement crises.
Programme Areas
Successful candidates may be assigned to several operational and technical departments, including:
- Programme Development, Impact and Influencing (PDII)
- Finance, Grants and Award Management
- Humanitarian Operations and Supply Chain
- Global Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Research and Data Analysis
- Child Protection and Education Programmes
Participants will contribute to policy research, project monitoring, grant compliance, innovation projects, humanitarian logistics, stakeholder engagement, and operational support activities.
Key Responsibilities
Interns and trainees are expected to support critical organizational functions, including:
- Conducting research and preparing policy briefs
- Tracking programme implementation and performance indicators
- Supporting project management and reporting processes
- Assisting with financial monitoring and grant compliance
- Organising workshops, webinars, and stakeholder engagement activities
- Maintaining operational databases and digital project platforms
- Supporting humanitarian response and supply chain coordination efforts
Eligibility Requirements
The programme targets highly motivated candidates with strong analytical and communication skills.
Applicants are generally expected to:
- Be enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate programme
- Have backgrounds in fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Finance, Public Health, Data Science, Public Policy, Social Work, or related disciplines
- Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel
- Possess strong written and verbal English communication skills
- Show interest in humanitarian work, international development, and child rights advocacy
Additional language skills in French, Spanish, or Arabic may provide an advantage for some regional positions.
Compensation and Benefits
Save the Children states that many internship and trainee opportunities are paid, with compensation varying according to local salary structures, country regulations, and duty stations. Benefits may include:
- Monthly stipends or salary support
- Flexible remote, hybrid, or on-site work arrangements
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Access to international humanitarian networks
- Cross-functional learning and rotational assignments
Internships typically run between three and six months, while graduate trainee placements may extend from one to two years depending on programme requirements.
Recruitment Process
Candidates may be required to complete multiple recruitment stages, including:
- Online application submission
- CV and cover letter review
- Hiring team interviews
- Competency-based assessments
- Background verification and safeguarding checks
As a child-focused organization, Save the Children maintains strict safeguarding requirements and conducts comprehensive screening before final appointments.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can explore available opportunities through the official Save the Children careers portals via the following links.
- Save the Children International Careers
- Save the Children Internship Opportunities
- Save the Children US Careers Portal
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as many internship and trainee vacancies are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close before advertised deadlines.
Save the Children emphasizes that it does not charge any application, processing, interview, or recruitment fees at any stage of its hiring process.
