Internship in NGO Relations, Advocacy & Special Events

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN has a diverse workforce of over 37,000 employees and operates in more than 190 countries worldwide. Its various departments and agencies work collaboratively to address global challenges, including humanitarian crises, development issues, and human rights advocacy.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in the NGO Relations, Advocacy & Special Events Section of the Outreach Division within the Department of Global Communications (DGC) at the United Nations. The successful candidate will engage with civil society organizations (CSOs) and assist in disseminating information about the UN's activities. The role involves supporting the Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) in facilitating civil society participation in UN events and conferences. Interns will gain hands-on experience in event planning, data analysis, and communication strategies while working closely with experienced professionals in the field. The internship is full-time and in-person, with a duration of six months, allowing interns to immerse themselves in the UN's mission and operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Programme Manager of NGLS and the Communications Officer in the Civil Society Unit. Key responsibilities include: assisting with the screening and reviewing of registration applications for High-Level Events; analyzing and compiling data for registration statistics; creating infographics and reports for events; reviewing and compiling submissions from CSOs for inclusion in the Civil Society newsletter; assisting in the creation of social media content and event materials; monitoring and responding to generic office emails; supporting the preparation of the NGLS Annual report; planning events and taking meeting minutes; providing technical support during meetings; and performing other duties as required to support the team and its objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) 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, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. The ability to draft emails, publications, or social media posts is also desirable, showcasing strong communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, communications, public policy, or a related discipline. A strong academic background will be beneficial in understanding the UN's operations and the role of civil society in global governance.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or involvement in activities related to civil society, advocacy, or event planning. This could include volunteer work, internships, or academic projects that showcase the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to organizational objectives.

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 advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must provide their own hardware (computer), software, and internet connection if required to perform the internship remotely. The internship is full-time, requiring interns to work up to five days a week (35 hours). Candidates should be aware that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications must be submitted online, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and only successful candidates will be contacted.