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

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations (UN), an international organization founded in 1945, which aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN has a mission to foster international collaboration to address global challenges, including sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees worldwide, working across various specialized agencies and programs.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) and the Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU). The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the monitoring and evaluation of DESA’s initiatives, contributing to the UN's mission of sustainable development. The position is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, and is intended to last for three months, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the office. The intern will gain exposure to the inner workings of the UN and will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects that impact global policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be involved in several key activities, including but not limited to: supporting the review of DESA’s proposed programme plan for 2027 by various committees; contributing to the drafting and reviewing of monitoring and evaluation reports, including evaluations and audits; assisting in data collection and analysis related to evaluations; supporting the implementation of findings and recommendations from evaluations; conducting research and presenting information on economic, social, and sustainable development topics; and performing other duties as required by the head of PMEU. This role is crucial for enhancing the monitoring and evaluation capacity of DESA and ensuring that the department's work aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals.

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). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Excellent drafting skills in English, along with the ability to analyze and synthesize information, are essential. Attention to detail, diligence, and the ability to produce high-quality documents are also required. While professional work experience is not mandatory for the UN Internship Programme, a background in fields such as business administration, programme management, economics, political science, international relations, public administration, or evaluation is necessary. Familiarity with data collection and visualization tools is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is necessary, with a focus on relevant fields such as business administration, economics, political science, international relations, or public administration. This educational foundation will equip the intern with the necessary skills to engage effectively in the tasks assigned within the PMEU.

Experience:
The internship does not require prior professional work experience, making it accessible for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a UN setting. However, relevant academic coursework or projects that demonstrate knowledge in areas related to economic and social affairs, monitoring and evaluation, or international relations will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this 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. Proficiency in multiple languages can be advantageous in a multicultural environment like the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens related to their application.