Internship in Knowledge Management and Guidance Team

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat, established in 1945, is an international organization that aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates globally with a mission to address international issues and provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration. The UN Secretariat employs thousands of staff members across various departments and agencies, working in numerous countries to fulfill its mandate. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of peacekeeping operations, specifically within the Knowledge Management and Guidance Team of the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) in the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET). Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the development and dissemination of policies and best practices related to peacekeeping. The internship is unpaid and can be undertaken either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week), with the option to work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement at the UN premises in New York. Interns will gain exposure to the inner workings of the UN, develop skills in research, communication, and data analysis, and contribute to meaningful projects that impact peacekeeping efforts worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks that support the work of the Knowledge Management and Guidance Team. These tasks include conducting research on peacekeeping issues, assisting in the development of strategic communications and multimedia presentations, attending events and taking notes, preparing reports and policy documents, servicing conferences and workshops, managing information databases, and creating internal communications materials such as newsletters and podcasts. Interns will also support the development of guidance and learning products, contributing to the overall mission of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the 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 necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in peacekeeping and international relations, and possess foundational knowledge in producing professional communications products. Experience or research knowledge in peacekeeping missions, international organizations, or humanitarian settings is desirable, as is familiarity with data analysis and visualization software.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, ideally in fields such as international relations, peace studies, communications, or social sciences. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided with the application.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates are encouraged to have some familiarity with peacekeeping missions or international organizations. Experience in research, data analysis, or communications is advantageous, as is any involvement in related academic or extracurricular activities that demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required 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 are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The duration of the internship is six months, with flexible start and end dates. The UN Secretariat emphasizes the importance of gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants who have previously served six months as an intern in the UN Common System are ineligible for this position. A complete online application is required, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship.