Internship at the 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 is responsible for conducting global system-wide evaluations on strategic issues related to the UN development system, ensuring that evaluations inform policy and operational decisions. The SWEO plays a crucial role in generating evaluation evidence to promote knowledge sharing and learning within the UN system. The office's work includes producing evaluation guidance, developing systems, and enhancing communication. Further details can be found in the 2024 Annual Report and on the United Nations website.

Job Overview:
The internship at the System-Wide Evaluation Office is designed for graduate students seeking to gain professional experience within an international organization. This role provides practical educational experience in a multicultural environment, allowing interns to apply their theoretical knowledge while working on relevant projects. Interns will be supervised by experienced managers and will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and interests. The internship aims to enhance the interns' understanding of the UN's operations and contribute to the office's evaluation efforts, thereby supporting the overall mission of the United Nations.

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; assisting evaluation teams in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; preparing evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials; drafting presentations and other communication materials; coordinating workplans and strategies; supporting outreach and engagement efforts; drafting minutes of meetings and ensuring timely follow-up; and assisting in 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. A background in social sciences, economics, or public administration is preferred, especially with coursework in evaluation or related research methodologies. Competencies such as effective communication, teamwork, and a commitment to the UN's mission are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally be pursuing a degree in social sciences, economics, or public administration, with a focus on evaluation or related methodologies. This educational background will equip interns with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the office's evaluation projects and tasks.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. This internship is specifically designed for students and recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in an international setting, making it an ideal opportunity for those at the beginning of their professional journey.

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 UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is available in-person in New York and can be offered in full-time or part-time modalities, with an expected duration of 3-6 months. The desired start date for the internship is October 202

• It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G4 visa and ensure they have the necessary work authorization. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.