Internship in the Financing for Sustainable Development Office

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), specifically through the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a workforce comprising thousands of employees dedicated to various global issues, including sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in the field of sustainable development financing. Interns will work full-time (35 hours per week) under the supervision of a staff member in the Policy Analysis and Development Branch (PADB) of the FSDO. The internship is unpaid and is expected to last for three to six months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. Interns will engage in research and analysis related to financing for development, including domestic public resources, private finance, and international development cooperation. The role may also involve attending conferences, summarizing meetings, and assisting with logistical arrangements. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects, such as the annual Financing for Sustainable Development Report, which assesses progress in implementing financing outcomes and provides recommendations for member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assisting in the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development; conducting research and preparing background papers on sustainable development financing issues; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; providing logistical and administrative support during conferences; compiling statistics and performing data analysis. Interns are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork, and client orientation, as they will be working collaboratively with colleagues and engaging with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master’s degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a field of study related to economics or a similar discipline. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant academic background is essential. Applicants should also possess good knowledge of software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and have the ability to draft news articles or social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s or equivalent) or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program. A field of study in economics or a related area is preferred. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required academic qualifications must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the area of sustainable development financing.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of French, which is one of the official working languages of the United Nations, is considered an asset. Proficiency in additional UN languages would also be beneficial.

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 country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.