Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to support the development pillar of the UN. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and helping countries implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN DESA operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to address pressing global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering inclusive development, reducing inequalities, and eradicating poverty. It provides analytical support and information to member states and facilitates international deliberations at key UN bodies such as the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for motivated individuals who are eager to support the Strategic Planning and Communications Services (SPCS) within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) at UN DESA. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the strategic planning and communication efforts of the department. The role is full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week for a minimum of two months, with the possibility of extending up to six months. Interns will be supervised by a staff member in SPCS and will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects that align with the UN's mission and the 2030 Agenda. The internship is primarily in-person at UNHQ in New York, although telecommuting may be considered under certain circumstances. Interns will be involved in research, analysis, and the preparation of materials for senior-level meetings and events, thereby gaining valuable experience in the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks that support the SPCS's objectives. These include tracking, researching, and analyzing information on assigned topics, gathering data from various sources, and assessing the potential impact of this information. Interns will assist in preparing for senior-level management meetings, conferences, and retreats, which involves creating background notes, summary briefs, and option papers. They will also track and analyze decisions or tasks and their implementation, assist in preparing speeches and talking points, and monitor global trends related to sustainable development. Additionally, interns will support the preparation of analytical reports, papers, and correspondences, coordinate the formulation of strategies, and assist with ad hoc requests and projects related to strategic planning efforts. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

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 higher), 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 essential. Desirable skills and interests include international affairs, gender equality, sustainable development, attention to detail, leadership support, strategy/management consulting, policy work, analytics, performance optimization, data visualization, and presentation design skills. Knowledge of tools such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic background and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. Experience in fields such as international relations, sustainable development, or strategic planning is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.