Internship in Public Inquiries Unit and Group Programmes Unit

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, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to its goals. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to contribute to its mission.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide candidates with hands-on experience in the Public Inquiries Unit (PIU) and the Group Programmes Unit (GPU) within the Visitors Services Section of the Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications. The internship is full-time and in-person in New York, with a duration of 4 to 6 months, ideally starting on January 27, 2026, or February 25, 2026, for the second candidate. Interns will engage with the public, assisting in educational outreach about the UN's work and facilitating guided tours and briefings. The role is supervised by a staff member and involves a variety of tasks that may vary based on the intern's background and the needs of the Units. Interns will gain valuable insights into the operations of the UN and contribute to its mission of educating and engaging communities worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: assisting with the planning and organization of outreach activities to educate the public about the UN's work; providing support for guided tours, briefings, and events; conducting research on UN thematic issues; offering general office support such as drafting correspondence, maintaining files and databases, and organizing meetings; assisting in drafting articles and text for fact sheets and other informational materials; responding to visitor inquiries both in person and in writing; helping develop, implement, and analyze surveys regarding visitors' experiences; and performing other duties as required by the supervisor. The internship offers a unique opportunity to learn about the UN's operations while actively contributing to its outreach efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess at least a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. Alternatively, applicants may have completed a graduate program. The educational background should ideally be in a field relevant to the work of the UN, such as international relations, communications, public policy, or a related discipline, to ensure that interns can effectively contribute to the tasks assigned to them during the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include volunteer work, internships, or projects that demonstrate an understanding of the UN's mission and operations, as well as skills in research, communication, and public engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official language of the UN, is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to communicate with a broader audience and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must ensure they have the necessary visa and work authorization to undertake the internship in the United States. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.