Political Affairs Intern

Political Affairs Intern

United Nations Secretariat

August 28, 2025August 27, 2026New YorkUnited States
United Nations Secretariat About
United Nations Secretariat is the executive arm and one of the major organs of the United Nations. It has an keyrole in agenda setting, decision making and decision implementaion. The Secretary-General is the head of the secretariat.
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 such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of staff members, including professionals from diverse fields, to carry out its extensive agenda.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed to provide support to the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The internship is expected to last between three to six months, with opportunities available from October 2025 to September 202
  • The intern will work full-time, 35 hours per week, on the UN premises in New York City. The role is primarily in-person, although there may be flexibility to adjust to a hybrid work model based on the successful candidate's needs. The intern will assist in enhancing situational awareness and decision-making processes within the UNOCC, which plays a critical role in crisis management and operational support for UN senior leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room. Key responsibilities include: supporting the analysis and visualization of data from UNOCC Data Repositories; drafting and formatting meeting minutes, outcome notes, briefings, country profiles, and presentations for UN senior leadership; conducting open-source monitoring and research; assisting in organizing crisis management meetings; and undertaking additional assignments as required. The intern will also be expected to demonstrate competencies in communication, teamwork, and client orientation, ensuring effective collaboration and support for the UNOCC's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree within the past year. The preferred fields of study include political science, history, international relations, law, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, ideally in political science, history, international relations, law, or a related field. The internship is open to those currently enrolled in graduate programs or final year undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates who have completed their degree within the last year. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and the UN's role in global governance.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated for this internship, a demonstrated interest in international relations, political affairs, or crisis management is highly desirable. Candidates should possess skills that indicate their ability to engage with complex data and support decision-making processes. Previous internships or volunteer experiences related to political science or international organizations may be beneficial but are not required.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those of UN member states, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application, reflecting the UN's commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. The duration of the internship is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably. The organization does not request any financial information from applicants, maintaining a commitment to transparency and integrity in its hiring practices.
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