Intern - United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO) was established by the Secretary-General to enhance oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. The office operates under the provisions of the 2024 UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy and is responsible for conducting global evaluations on strategic issues related to the UN development system. The SWEO aims to provide valuable insights for policy-making and operational implementation, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations. The office is involved in ongoing evaluations, including those related to the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, and is set to commence new evaluations in 2025, focusing on the UN's support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and youth strategies. The SWEO also plays a crucial role in generating evaluation evidence to promote knowledge sharing and learning within the UN system, which includes producing syntheses, summaries, and evaluation guidance materials. Further information can be found in the 2024 Annual Report and on the United Nations website.

Job Overview:
The System-Wide Evaluation Office is offering an internship opportunity for graduate students seeking to gain professional experience in an international organization. This internship is designed to supplement academic studies and provide practical educational experience within a multicultural and intergovernmental setting. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced managers and will be assigned projects and tasks that align with their educational background and interests. The internship is expected to start in January 2026 and can last for a period of up to six months, with options for full-time or part-time work. Interns will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios and gain exposure to the operations of the United Nations Secretariat. They will report to full-time professional staff in the System-Wide Evaluation Office and will be involved in various aspects of the office's work, contributing to the overall mission of the UN.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: contributing to the preparation of documents and guidance materials through desk research and report writing; assisting evaluation teams in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; preparing evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials such as newsletters and web-enabled platforms; creating presentations and other communication materials, including drafting, formatting, editing, and data visualization; supporting the formulation of work plans and strategies; preparing for outreach and engagement activities, including meetings and events; drafting minutes of meetings and ensuring timely follow-up; and assisting with the development of office systems as needed. These responsibilities will provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process and the workings of the United Nations.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, 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 university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree as defined in the previous criteria. Preferred fields of study include social sciences, economics, or public administration, particularly with coursework in evaluation or related applied research methodologies. Competencies required for the position include a keen interest in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, effective communication skills, a willingness to acquire new knowledge, teamwork abilities, and the capacity to produce quality results in a timely manner. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data analysis software is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in social sciences, economics, public administration, or a related field. Graduate students or those in their final year of undergraduate studies are encouraged to apply. Coursework in evaluation methodologies or applied research is highly desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship and the mission of the System-Wide Evaluation Office.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should demonstrate how their training, education, advanced coursework, or skills can benefit the United Nations during their internship. This allows for a diverse range of applicants, including those who may not have formal work experience but possess relevant academic knowledge and skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. They are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must obtain a G4 visa and ensure they have valid employment authorization (CPT/OPT) for the duration of the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.