Intern

Intern

United Nations Secretariat

January 16, 2026January 31, 2026RiyadhSaudi Arabia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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, including Saudi Arabia, where it engages in development initiatives aligned with national strategies like Vision 203
  • The organization employs thousands of individuals worldwide, working across diverse sectors to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide practical experience in applied policy research and inter-agency coordination within a UN country office setting. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the RCO Economist and in coordination with the Head of Office. The role involves conducting desk reviews of relevant UN frameworks and socioeconomic reports, supporting the drafting of analytical papers and policy briefs, and assisting in integrating cross-sectoral analysis. The intern will also contribute to exploratory work on the application of large language models for research and knowledge management, thereby enhancing their understanding of innovative analytical methods in development work. By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to have strengthened their skills in socioeconomic analysis, gained experience in drafting policy documents, and developed familiarity with UN operations and the role of the UN in national development processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting desk reviews of UN frameworks and socioeconomic reports relevant to Vision 2030 and the SDGs; supporting the drafting of analytical papers and policy briefs on the KSA economy and development trends; assisting in integrating cross-sectoral analysis, including Leave No One Behind (LNOB), gender equality, and inclusivity; taking and drafting meeting minutes for internal UNCT meetings and consultations with government counterparts; supporting background note preparation and data collection for senior leadership; assisting in ad hoc analytical tasks requested by the RCO; contributing to exploratory work on the application of large language models for research and analysis; and supporting the design of templates and structured analytical tools for RCO policy work.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet several conditions: they must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and show a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in a graduate school program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Alternatively, applicants can qualify if they have already graduated with a university degree. This educational requirement ensures that interns have a foundational understanding of the academic principles relevant to the work they will be undertaking in the UN context.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated for this internship, a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and familiarity with socioeconomic analysis will be beneficial. The internship is designed for individuals who are at the beginning of their professional journey, allowing them to gain valuable experience in a UN country office setting.

Languages:
For this position, fluency in English is required, which means a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. This language requirement is essential for effective communication within the UN and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, meaning they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Saudi Arabia may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all candidates.
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