Intern - Executive Office of the Secretary-General

Intern - Executive Office of the Secretary-General

United Nations Secretariat

July 17, 2025August 30, 2025New YorkUnited States
Job Description
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 through collective action. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, employing over 44,000 staff worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City, with offices and operations in numerous countries around the globe.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) is designed for motivated individuals who are eager to support the strategic planning and monitoring efforts of the UN. Interns will engage with the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU) to assist in strategic analysis, priority-setting, and the alignment of plans and resources. This role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and contribute to significant projects that aim to enhance the effectiveness of the UN System. Interns will be involved in various workstreams, allowing them to gain insights into the operational dynamics of the UN and develop skills that are valuable for their future careers. The position is flexible, offering options for in-person, remote, or hybrid work arrangements, and can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis for a duration of three to six months. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their availability and preferred workstream in their applications, ensuring a tailored fit for both the intern and the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be assigned to at least one of the four key workstreams within the SPMU, each with specific duties: 1) In the Strategic Coordination and Decision-Making workstream, interns will assist in preparing for senior-level management meetings, contribute to the creation of analytical materials, and support the tracking of decisions and their implementation. 2) For the UN 2.0 Capabilities workstream, interns will help in planning and implementing change management programs, manage community events, and assist in developing digital solutions. 3) In the Risk, Fragility, and Crisis Management workstream, interns will monitor global trends, contribute to the Secretary-General’s Global Risk Report, and assist in planning activities related to UN integration in fragile settings. 4) In the Management Support workstream, interns will support analytics on cross-cutting needs, assist in resource mobilization, organize meetings, and develop dashboards for data-driven decision-making. This diverse set of responsibilities ensures that interns gain comprehensive exposure to the workings of the UN and contribute meaningfully to its mission.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master's degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level). Candidates should have a strong interest in the UN's work and a commitment to its ideals. Additionally, they should possess excellent computer skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, and a willingness to understand different cultural perspectives. Specific desired qualifications vary by workstream, including organizational skills, analytical thinking, and proficiency in data analysis and digital tools.

Educational Background:
Candidates pursuing studies in relevant fields for each workstream are encouraged to apply. For Strategic Coordination and Decision-Making, fields such as Economics, Political Science, and International Relations are relevant. For UN 2.0 Capabilities, backgrounds in Business, Data Science, and Behavioral Science are preferred. Risk, Fragility, and Crisis Management candidates should have studies in Risk Management or International Development, while Management Support candidates should focus on Management Information Systems or Business Analytics. This educational diversity ensures that interns bring valuable perspectives and skills to their roles.

Experience:
While prior internships or work experience are not formally required, most successful candidates have some level of relevant experience, which can enhance their contributions to the UN. Interns are expected to leverage their training and education to benefit the organization during their internship. Specific workstreams may have additional desired qualifications, such as strong organizational skills for Strategic Coordination or interest in digital transformation for UN 2.0 Capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders within the UN.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may need to secure appropriate visas and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The UN emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
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