Internship in Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and its Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET). The UN is 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. It operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to various humanitarian and developmental efforts. The UN aims to foster international collaboration to address global challenges, including conflict resolution, human rights, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within the Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning Cell of the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) in the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) at the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The primary function of this division is to develop and disseminate policies and doctrines that guide Peacekeeping Operations. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the strategic planning and capability generation efforts of the UN's peacekeeping missions. The role is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in research, data analysis, and policy evaluation, contributing to the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals in the field, gaining insights into the workings of international peacekeeping and the importance of policy in operational contexts. The internship is unpaid and can be adjusted to accommodate part-time or remote work based on the intern's needs, with a commitment of 20 to 35 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of tasks, including conducting research on strategic force generation and capability planning issues, assisting in survey initiatives, designing data collection tools, and analyzing responses. They will also create data visualizations using MS PowerPoint and Power BI, review various policies and documents, and assist in data collection and analysis. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports, concept papers, and policy documents, attending conferences and meetings to take notes, servicing these events, managing databases, and supporting project management development. Interns may also be required to perform other duties as assigned by their supervisors, contributing to the overall mission of the PBPS.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience; however, they must be pursuing a field of study closely related to the internship, such as social sciences, international relations, politics, law, economics, statistics, or technical/data/business-related fields. Experience in data visualization and knowledge of data management techniques are desirable. Familiarity with quantitative analysis, particularly in Microsoft Excel, and experience in preparing presentations that combine data visualizations with text content are also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a degree program in a relevant field, such as social sciences, international relations, or a related discipline. The educational background should ideally provide a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and policy evaluation, equipping interns with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or projects that showcase their ability to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively. Experience in academic or professional settings that involve data visualization and policy analysis will be advantageous.

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 UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours per week) on the United Nations premises in New York, but it can be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote work based on the successful candidate's needs. The internship duration is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months. Candidates are responsible for covering their own travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are ineligible for this internship.