Internship with the United Nations Internship Programme

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, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, working collaboratively to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the United Nations is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in the workings of the UN and its various agencies. Interns will be expected to engage in a range of activities that support the UN's mission, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and intergovernmental relations. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is intended to last between 2 to 6 months. Interns will have the opportunity to attend high-level meetings, draft official documents, and conduct research, thereby gaining valuable insights into the operations of the UN and the complexities of international diplomacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a variety of responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to: attending and taking notes at intergovernmental meetings and UN inter-agency meetings, such as those held by the General Assembly Committees and the Economic and Social Council; drafting official documents including background papers, analyses, sections of reports, and inputs for publications; conducting research and analysis on regional trends related to sustainable development; providing logistical assistance during conferences and meetings of the Regional Commissions; and performing any other duties as assigned by their supervisor. This role is crucial for supporting the UN's efforts in fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges.

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). Importantly, no prior work experience is required, allowing students and recent graduates to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. Candidates must also demonstrate that their training, education, or skills will benefit the UN during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates 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. This educational requirement ensures that interns possess a foundational understanding of the relevant fields and can contribute effectively to the UN's work. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required degree must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
The internship does not require any prior work experience, making it an ideal opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain exposure to the workings of the United Nations. The focus is on providing a learning experience that allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context, thereby enhancing their understanding of international relations and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 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. This multilingual environment reflects the UN's commitment to inclusivity and global representation.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, which means that all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the UN emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.