Intern in the Gender Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of staff members and engages numerous interns and volunteers to support its diverse initiatives.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Gender Unit of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of gender equality, women, peace, and security (WPS). Interns will have the opportunity to engage in research, assist in organizing events, and contribute to the development of communication strategies related to gender issues. The internship is flexible, allowing for remote, hybrid, or in-person work arrangements, and is expected to last for six months. Interns will work either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week), depending on their availability and the needs of the Gender Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Gender Unit's objectives. These include conducting research on critical issues related to women, peace, and security, such as gender equality and women's political participation. Interns will attend meetings and conferences, taking notes and summarizing discussions for future reference. They will also assist in logistical planning for events, including seminars and workshops, and help prepare briefing materials for senior officials. Additionally, interns will collate and analyze data to enhance knowledge management on WPS topics and contribute to the development of training initiatives. Drafting internal documents and supporting the implementation of the WPS communications strategy will also be key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific educational criteria to qualify for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in their final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, to effectively perform their duties.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the internship should have a strong academic background relevant to the position. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program, or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate may be requested later.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for applicants, it is beneficial for candidates to have relevant academic experience or internships that align with the responsibilities of the Gender Unit. The focus is on candidates who are eager to learn and contribute to the UN's mission regarding gender issues, particularly in the context of peace and security.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that they will be responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.