Intern - Electoral Assistance Division

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 workforce that includes thousands of employees dedicated to various functions across its numerous agencies and divisions. The Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) is part of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and plays a crucial role in supporting electoral processes globally.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in the field of electoral assistance. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UN's efforts to ensure fair and democratic electoral processes worldwide. This role is particularly suited for individuals interested in international relations, political science, or related fields. The internship is expected to last for two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, and can be conducted in a flexible manner, including hybrid, remote, or in-person arrangements. Interns will be expected to work full-time, dedicating 35 hours per week, although part-time options may be available based on the intern's needs. The successful candidate will be involved in drafting official documents, conducting research, and supporting various projects within the EAD, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting democratic governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and the specific projects they are assigned to. Key duties include: assisting in drafting and preparing official documents and correspondence such as background papers, talking points, briefing materials, and speeches; attending and taking notes during trainings, conferences, and meetings; assisting with the logistics and preparations for these events; conducting research and media analysis; compiling statistics on various topics; supporting the maintenance of the EAD institutional memory database; gathering and analyzing country-specific information; creating dashboards and reports; performing ad-hoc data analysis and presenting results clearly; and undertaking other related duties as required. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about the UN's electoral assistance efforts and contribute to meaningful projects that support democratic processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, or enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program, or have recently completed such programs. While prior professional experience is not mandatory, a field of study closely related to the internship is required. Applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, as the UN is committed to achieving gender parity and diversity within its workforce.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program, or currently enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program, or having completed such programs. The field of study should be closely related to the responsibilities of the internship, such as political science, international relations, or a related discipline. Applicants must provide proof of their educational status in their application, including details about their degree and expected graduation date.

Experience:
While previous professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. Interns are expected to be proactive, eager to learn, and capable of working independently as well as part of a team. The internship is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a prestigious international organization and to develop skills that will be valuable in their future careers.

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 UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the context of the UN's diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for covering their own travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship period. The internship duration is flexible, ranging from two to six months, with a desired start date of October 1, 2025, or sooner. Applicants must submit a complete online application, including a motivational statement that outlines their interest in the internship, their educational background, and why they believe they are the best candidate for the position. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that they may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located.