Internship in Capacity Development Programme Management Office

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the United Nations. UN DESA was established to support the economic and social development of member states and to promote sustainable development globally. The organization focuses on capacity development, providing support for planning, programming, coordination, and evaluation of development work. It operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of development initiatives. The office is dedicated to promoting coherence and integrated delivery of capacity development work, ensuring that resources are mobilized effectively and that partnerships are fostered to achieve developmental goals.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of capacity development within the United Nations framework. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will be involved in various aspects of project management and coordination. The role is primarily focused on supporting the planning and implementation of capacity development strategies, which may include financial development, public institutions, and sustainable development initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in research, drafting analytical documents, and assisting in the organization of conferences and workshops. The internship is intended to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, although flexible arrangements may be made based on the intern's needs and the office's requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities that may vary depending on their background and the specific office to which they are assigned. Key duties include: assisting in project management and coordination efforts; contributing to research and the preparation of analytical documents; organizing conferences, workshops, and meetings, including the preparation of internal documentation; collecting and sorting data and statistics; and performing other tasks as assigned by the Head of Office. Interns are expected to actively participate in the office's initiatives and contribute to the overall goals of the Capacity Development Programme Management Office.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either 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 no prior work experience is required, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship. Additionally, proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential for the role.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or they should have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to economic and social development, public administration, international relations, or a similar discipline. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant educational program must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
The internship does not require any prior professional work experience. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include academic projects, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate a commitment to the field of capacity development and international cooperation.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of French, which is one of the working languages of the United Nations, is also required. Additionally, familiarity with other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located 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. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable.