Intern - Sustainable Development Goals

Intern - Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations Secretariat

December 11, 2025December 26, 2025New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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 organization operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The UN is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which aim to create a better and more sustainable future for all.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position focuses on providing policy analysis and support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU). Interns will collaborate with various divisions of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and United Nations Agencies to monitor and analyze global trends related to sustainable development, particularly in governance, peace, and security. The role involves preparing analytical reports, background notes, and key messages, as well as supporting meetings and events for senior officials. Interns will also engage in discussions on humanitarian, peace, and development matters, contributing to the UN's reform efforts and cross-pillar collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting policy analysis related to the SDGs, collaborating with different areas within the SDU. They will monitor and analyze global trends in sustainable development, focusing on governance, peace, and security. The role includes preparing analytical reports, papers, and daily briefs, as well as supporting the organization of meetings, events, and visits for senior officials. Interns will contribute to monitoring and analysis of priority regions and topics, including the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Great Lakes Region, Haiti, and Afghanistan. They will also engage in discussions on UN reform, particularly regarding cross-pillar collaboration and coherence. Interns are encouraged to highlight any relevant experience in areas of the 2030 Agenda, such as Financing for Development, Environment and Climate, Gender, Disability Inclusion, private sector engagement, health, and food systems in their motivation statement.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, such as a Master's degree or Ph.D.), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level). No prior work experience is required, but applicants should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the UN during their internship. Familiarity with standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is desirable, along with skills in report editing, drafting news articles, and social media posts. Knowledge in designing surveys and polls is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This educational background ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the UN's work on sustainable development. The focus on higher education reflects the UN's commitment to engaging with individuals who have a strong academic foundation and are prepared to tackle complex global issues.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would be beneficial to the United Nations during their internship. This allows for a diverse range of applicants, including recent graduates and those who have completed advanced degrees, to apply and contribute to the UN's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also advantageous, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated 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. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
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