Internship at the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO) was established by the Secretary-General to enhance oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. The SWEO is tasked with conducting global system-wide evaluations on strategic issues pertinent to the UN development system, thereby contributing to policy-making and operational decisions. The office aims to generate evaluation evidence that fosters knowledge sharing and promotes learning within the UN framework. The SWEO's work is guided by the 2024 UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy, and its evaluations are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of various UN initiatives, including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The internship at the System-Wide Evaluation Office is designed for individuals interested in the UN system, sustainable development, and monitoring and evaluation. It offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience within an international organization, starting from March 2026 for a duration of 4-6 months, with options for full-time or part-time engagement. Interns will work under the guidance of experienced managers and will be involved in projects that align with their educational background and interests. This role provides a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, contributing to the UN's mission while gaining insights into the workings of the Secretariat. Interns will engage in various tasks that enhance their understanding of evaluation processes and the importance of evidence-based decision-making in the UN context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: contributing to the preparation of documents and guidance materials through desk research and report writing; assisting evaluation teams in the collection, organization, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; preparing evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials such as newsletters and web content; creating presentations and other communication materials, which may involve drafting, formatting, editing, and data visualization; supporting the coordination of workplans and strategies; preparing for outreach and engagement activities, including meetings and events; drafting minutes of meetings and ensuring timely follow-up; and assisting in the development of office systems as needed. These responsibilities are designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process and the operational dynamics of the UN.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree as defined in the previous points. Preferred fields of study include social sciences, economics, or public administration, particularly with coursework in evaluation or related research methodologies. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as a commitment to the UN's mission and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in social sciences, economics, public administration, or a related field. Those currently enrolled in graduate programs or in their final year of undergraduate studies are encouraged to apply. Coursework related to evaluation methodologies or applied research is highly desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship and the objectives of the SWEO.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic or volunteer experience that showcases their interest in the UN system, sustainable development, and evaluation processes. Experience in research, data analysis, or project management will be advantageous and should be highlighted in the application.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered on a voluntary basis, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For those who are not US citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory to undertake the internship. It is essential for candidates to ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.