Intern - Web Services Section

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 workforce of over 44,000 employees dedicated to its goals. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and fostering sustainable development through its various agencies and programs.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within the Web Services Section of the News and Media Division of the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. The primary focus of this section is to design, develop, maintain, and support the UN's flagship public internet website, www.un.org, along with several related sub-sites. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the enhancement of the UN's online presence, ensuring that the website remains a vital resource for information about the UN's work and initiatives. The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, but there is flexibility to adjust the schedule based on the successful candidate's needs. The expected duration of the internship is between 3 to 6 months, providing an opportunity for the intern to gain hands-on experience in web development and digital communications within a prestigious international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that may include: supporting the development of a scalable, data-driven website by contributing to both back-end and front-end tasks; assisting with automated web data collection using Python and Scrapy; contributing to JavaScript-based front-end features and user interactions; participating in version-controlled collaboration using Git; assisting in content formatting, layout optimization, and integration of visuals such as graphics, photos, and videos; supporting light video editing (e.g., subtitles/audio) or creation of short clips as needed; and utilizing web and multimedia tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, WordPress, or Drupal. These responsibilities will provide the intern with a comprehensive understanding of web services and digital media in a global context.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

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. Programme. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have a foundational understanding of the principles and practices relevant to the internship role, particularly in fields related to communications, information technology, or media studies.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that their field of study is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should ideally have some academic exposure or practical experience in web development, digital communications, or a related area, which will enhance their ability to contribute effectively to the internship.

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 UN official language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of materials and communications within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary or stipend for their work. All costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, 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/employment authorization. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all qualified candidates.