Internship in Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The mission of OISC is to support intergovernmental processes and enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in promoting sustainable development. Established to facilitate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, OISC plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts across various UN bodies and member states. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering international cooperation and sustainable practices across the globe.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch (IPRB) is designed for individuals who are passionate about international relations, economics, and sustainable development. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the United Nations' intergovernmental deliberations, particularly focusing on the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The role requires analytical skills and the ability to conduct research that contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Interns will work closely with UN staff and will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international environment, contributing to significant global discussions and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties that include: assisting in the analytical preparations for the General Assembly’s Second Committee, ECOSOC, and the HLPF; providing substantive support during United Nations intergovernmental negotiations; conducting analytical research to support the work of the GA, ECOSOC, and HLPF; assisting in the preparations for ECOSOC and HLPF activities and events focused on sustainable development; researching the follow-up and review processes related to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals; supporting the substantive preparations for the HLPF, including research, coordination with resource people, and preparation of documentation and visual materials; and assisting the IPRB technical team in updating the DESA and HLPF official website. This role will involve frequent interaction with staff at various levels within the organization, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the UN.

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). Additionally, applicants must be computer literate and proficient in standard software applications, particularly MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Knowledge of sustainable development issues is considered an advantage. The UN values openness in sharing information and keeping stakeholders informed, which is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Applicants must demonstrate that their field of study is closely related to the internship they are applying for, ensuring that they possess the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the work of the IPRB.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is essential that candidates have a field of study that aligns closely with the internship's focus. This ensures that interns can apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and contribute meaningfully to the organization's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional official UN languages, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, although adjustments can be made based on the successful candidate's requests. The expected duration of the internship is up to 6 months. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. 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. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process.