Internship in Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically within the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. It operates in numerous countries around the world, with a workforce comprising thousands of employees dedicated to various global issues, including social development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide support to the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) within the UN, focusing on enhancing international cooperation for social development. The intern will engage in research and assist in organizing meetings and events that address critical issues related to ageing, human rights of older persons, and social inclusion. The role involves contributing to the preparations for the Fifth Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action (MIPAA) and managing the transition of content from the old Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) website to a new platform. The intern will work closely with the Chief of the Programme on Ageing Section (PAS) and will be expected to contribute to various projects that aim to improve the lives of marginalized groups, including older persons, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: assisting with the preparations for the Fifth Appraisal of MIPAA through research and analysis; contributing to the drafting of reports; organizing and managing website files for the old Open-Ended Working Group webpage; supporting the transfer of content to a new Drupal-based website; reviewing and updating links to ensure accuracy and consistency; preparing materials for posting on the website and social media platforms; and collaborating with colleagues to maintain the accessibility and currency of the website. The intern will also be involved in ensuring that all content is complete and properly organized, which is crucial for effective communication and outreach.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). It is essential for applicants to be students in their final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. programme or have completed such programmes. Proof of eligibility must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required later in the process. While prior professional work experience is not mandatory, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate programme or being in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme. This means that candidates should ideally have a strong academic foundation in areas related to social development, human rights, or public policy, which will enable them to contribute effectively to the tasks assigned during the internship.

Experience:
While the UN Internship Programme does not require applicants to have professional work experience, it is important that candidates have a relevant academic background that aligns with the internship's focus. This means that while previous internships or work experience in related fields may be beneficial, they are not a prerequisite for applying.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the UN include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in any of these languages can enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. Therefore, all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the interns themselves or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all potential candidates.