Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is an international organization established to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It was founded in 1945 and has grown to include 193 member states. The organization employs thousands of individuals worldwide, working in various capacities to address global challenges, including human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in New York City, and regional offices in various parts of the world, including Geneva, Switzerland, which is a hub for international diplomacy and human rights advocacy.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of information management and project management within the context of the United Nations. The intern will work under the supervision of a project manager and will be involved in supporting the planning and delivery of IT projects. This role requires the intern to facilitate workshops and consultations with both internal and external stakeholders to gather and define requirements for IT solutions. The intern will also contribute to portfolio management by maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring that the efforts of the Information Management and Technology Services (IMTS) align with the operational needs of the organization. The ultimate goal of this internship is to support the Organizational Effectiveness Action Plans of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to have developed governance, planning, and requirement documentation for IT projects, ensured that project milestones and deliverables are met, and produced actionable insights on project progress to inform leadership decisions. This internship provides a unique opportunity to strengthen OHCHR's ability to manage initiatives effectively, ensuring that resources are utilized to maximize human rights outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the planning and delivery of IT projects, facilitating workshops and consultations with stakeholders to define IT solution requirements, maintaining accurate documentation for portfolio management, acting as a liaison for internal clients to ensure alignment with operational needs, and assisting the Chief of Section with related duties as required. The intern will also be expected to produce a final report detailing the tasks performed during the internship period, which will serve as a reflection of their contributions and learning outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or have completed such a degree. The preferred fields of study include international relations, business, and information management. Importantly, applicants are not required to have professional work experience to participate in the programme, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have recently completed a degree in Political Science, International Relations, Business Administration, Management, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the context in which the United Nations operates and the specific challenges faced in project management and organizational development.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates with demonstrated experience in project management or project-based work, particularly in software development contexts, will be viewed favorably. This experience can enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team's objectives and the overall mission of the organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which may include languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. Proficiency in multiple languages can be an asset in a multicultural environment like the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially remunerated, meaning that interns will not receive a salary or stipend from the United Nations. Therefore, interns are responsible for their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for payment or personal financial information.