DDR Programming Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat, established in 1945, is the principal administrative organ of the United Nations. It is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the UN, including supporting international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promoting sustainable development, and upholding human rights. The Secretariat employs thousands of staff members from diverse backgrounds and operates in multiple countries around the world, working towards its mission of fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The DDR Programming Support Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Section of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). This internship is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and peacekeeping. The intern will be involved in various activities, including organizing events and meetings, creating and publishing newsletters, conducting research and analysis, and providing general administrative support. The position requires a commitment of 35 hours per week and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the planning and execution of the 2025 annual DDR Symposium and the quarterly DDR newsletter. The intern will work in a hybrid arrangement, splitting time between remote work and the UN premises in New York, allowing for flexibility while still engaging with the UN's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: organizing events and meetings related to DDR initiatives; creating and publishing newsletters that communicate key updates and information; documenting and reporting on various DDR activities; conducting research and analysis to support DDR processes; preparing communication materials for dissemination; and providing general administrative support to the DDR Section. The intern will also assist in the coordination of the annual DDR Symposium, ensuring that all logistical aspects are managed effectively. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) 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, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is the capability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, political science, social sciences, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include involvement in student organizations, volunteer work, or academic projects related to disarmament, peacekeeping, or international development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory 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, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and is expected to last for a duration of three to six months, with full-time commitment required (35 hours per week). The United Nations Secretariat emphasizes gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants who have previously served six months as an intern in the UN Common System are not eligible for this position. Additionally, candidates who are related to current UN staff members are also ineligible. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.