Internship in Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of peacebuilding and political affairs. The intern will work full-time (35 hours per week) in-person at the United Nations premises in New York. The internship is unpaid and lasts for a minimum of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. Interns will report to Senior Political Affairs Officers and will be involved in various tasks that support the operations of the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch (PCSB). The role is intended to provide interns with substantive exposure to the workings of the UN while allowing them to contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include researching, compiling, and summarizing background materials for meetings and reports, assisting in the coordination of service-wide activities such as meetings and training, and supporting the management and development of internal databases. The intern will also update the website, generate statistical reports from various databases, assist in preparing presentation materials using appropriate technology, and perform various administrative duties as requested. The branch aims to provide interns with opportunities to work independently on substantive issues while also supporting the day-to-day operations of the office. Interns are encouraged to explore relevant training options available to UN staff at Headquarters.

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 necessary. Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program or have completed such a program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields related to political science, international relations, peace studies, or other relevant disciplines. The internship is open to those pursuing or having completed degrees at various levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. programs. Applicants must provide documentation of their current academic status and expected graduation date.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the internship. Experience in research, data management, or administrative support may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Familiarity with other UN official languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, may also be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates 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 located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information. The organization encourages female candidates and those from diverse backgrounds to apply.