Internship in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

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 and engaging numerous interns to support its diverse initiatives.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Operational Activities Policy Branch (OAPB). Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that are integral to the UN's mission of sustainable development. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in a dynamic environment, where interns will be involved in official meetings and negotiations among Member States, as well as the preparation of official reports and substantive research. Interns will be expected to conduct research on sustainable development topics, analyze data, and assist in organizing high-level panels and seminars. This role is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, and is primarily in-person, although adjustments can be made based on the intern's requests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may include: conducting research on sustainable development topics; analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; preparing data visualizations and infographics; supporting the development and implementation of surveys related to UN operational activities; assisting in the organization of high-level panels and seminars for the General Assembly and ECOSOC; preparing summaries of outcomes from these events; supporting informal consultations on intergovernmental legislation; and drafting summaries of discussions and consultations from various intergovernmental meetings. Interns should be prepared for additional tasks that may arise on short notice, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the UN environment and the need for support to senior officials and Member States.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet at least 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). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Strong drafting skills in English, the ability to synthesize information quickly, and the capacity to work independently with minimal supervision are essential. Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. A field of study closely related to the internship is necessary, ensuring that interns have the relevant academic background to contribute effectively to the work of the UN.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, relevant academic experience or coursework in fields related to sustainable development, international relations, or public policy is highly beneficial. Interns should be prepared to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the UN's operational environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. 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 must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization to undertake the internship, particularly if they are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.