Internship in Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically within the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social development. The UN employs thousands of individuals across various sectors and has a diverse workforce committed to advancing human rights and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide valuable experience in the field of social development, particularly focusing on youth issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intern will work under the guidance of the Social Affairs Officer in the Programme on Youth Unit (PYU) and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of enhancing youth inclusion in social development initiatives. The role will require the intern to engage in research, communication, and partnership coordination, thereby gaining insights into the workings of the UN and its efforts to promote inclusive social development. The intern will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of knowledge products that address youth development issues, which are critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a range of responsibilities that include conducting research and drafting written outputs such as background papers, policy briefs, and analytical documents related to youth development. They will support the implementation and coordination of initiatives aimed at enhancing youth inclusion in intergovernmental processes, such as the UN Youth Delegate Programme. The intern will also assist in facilitating collaboration with the Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development, which involves drafting communications and supporting joint activities. Additionally, the intern will help plan and implement activities to raise awareness of youth issues, including preparations for International Youth Day. They will contribute to the development of materials such as reports, toolkits, and resources that communicate the Unit's work to various stakeholders, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting youth development.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific educational requirements to be eligible for this internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates must have a field of study that closely relates to the internship's focus. It is essential for applicants to indicate which of the educational criteria they meet and provide proof with their application.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. This ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic foundation to engage with the complex issues surrounding youth development and social inclusion. The internship is particularly suited for those studying fields related to social sciences, international relations, or development studies, as these areas provide relevant knowledge and skills for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
While the United Nations Internship Programme does not require professional work experience, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on youth development and social inclusion. This could include participation in projects, research, or volunteer work that demonstrates a commitment to social issues and an understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly youth. The internship is an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in a global organization and to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a mandatory requirement for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders. The official languages of the United Nations include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in any of these languages can be beneficial for the intern's role.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a duration of six months and is offered in a hybrid work format, allowing for both in-person and remote work arrangements. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.