Internship in Civil Affairs Team

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. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees globally. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of civil affairs within the United Nations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Civil Affairs Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) of the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The internship is structured to enhance the intern's understanding of peacekeeping operations and the policies that guide them. Interns will engage in various tasks that support the development and dissemination of policies, evaluation of practices, and the coordination of training programs. The position is flexible, allowing for full-time or part-time commitments, and can be conducted remotely or in-person at the UN premises in New York. The internship aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience while contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of the Civil Affairs Team. These responsibilities include: assisting in researching topics for desk reviews, reports, and surveys of practice; preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, and other materials; developing strategic communications and presentations; attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, and assisting in servicing these events; managing project development; proofreading and copyediting team documents; collecting and analyzing data; managing information and databases; exploring and proposing the use of AI tools for summarizing reports and automating workflows; and performing other duties as required. The intern will gain hands-on experience in the workings of the UN and contribute to the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet 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). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to the internship, such as international relations, political science, social sciences, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those in Master's or Ph.D. programs. A strong academic background in relevant subjects will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, candidates with experience in research, drafting reports, and preparing policy documents will be favored. Experience in organizing events and working with databases or data visualization software such as Power BI is desirable. Familiarity with machine learning and AI tools, particularly in relation to data analysis and policy research support, is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a commitment of 35 hours per week for full-time or 20 hours per week for part-time arrangements. The initial duration of the internship is two months for full-time or four months for part-time, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months based on the needs of the Division. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months or who are related to active UN staff members are ineligible for this internship. Candidates must submit a complete online application, including a motivational statement detailing their qualifications and interest in the internship.