Internship with the United Nations Internship Programme

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 climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a diverse workforce of over 44,000 employees dedicated to various functions including humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and sustainable development. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the work of the United Nations, particularly in relation to intergovernmental meetings and regional commissions. The internship is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, and is expected to last between 2 to 6 months. Interns will have the chance to attend important meetings, draft official documents, and conduct research, thereby contributing to the UN's mission while enhancing their own professional skills and understanding of global issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for attending in-person intergovernmental and UN inter-agency meetings, such as those held by the General Assembly Committees and the Economic and Social Council. They will take detailed notes during these meetings and assist in drafting various official documents, including background papers, analyses, sections of reports, and inputs for publications. Additionally, interns will conduct research and analysis on regional trends related to sustainable development and provide logistical support during conferences and meetings organized by the Regional Commissions. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor as needed, allowing interns to gain a comprehensive understanding of the UN's operations and functions.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Importantly, no prior work experience is required, but candidates should possess skills or training that would benefit the UN during their internship. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant educational program must be provided with the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or they should have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. This educational requirement ensures that interns have a solid academic foundation to contribute effectively to the UN's work. The internship is particularly suited for those pursuing degrees in fields related to international relations, public policy, or sustainable development.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. This is an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience in a prestigious international organization. The focus is on providing a learning environment where interns can develop their skills and knowledge in a practical setting, rather than requiring extensive professional backgrounds.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French, another official UN language, is considered an asset. Candidates who are proficient in any of the other official UN languages—Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish—may also enhance their application, but English remains the primary requirement.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, meaning that all costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the interns themselves or their sponsoring institutions. This includes obtaining the necessary visa and work authorization if the intern is not a citizen or permanent resident of the country where the internship takes place. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.