Social Affairs Intern

Social Affairs Intern

UN Commissions

February 6, 2026February 28, 2026SantiagoChile
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations, established in 194
  • Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of the region by designing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies. ECLAC provides advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supports regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. The organization operates across various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on enhancing social development and protection policies.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Social Development Division of ECLAC is designed to last between 2 to 6 months, depending on the needs of the office. Interns will work under the supervision of a Social Affairs Officer or a Senior Research Assistant, contributing to the team’s efforts in social development, protection, and cultural policies. The role involves a variety of tasks including scheduling events, conducting research on social development indicators, drafting policy documents, and summarizing research information on specific topics related to social protection and cultural policies. Interns will also assist in organizing seminars and expert meetings, producing briefs and presentations, and updating databases and websites as needed. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious international organization while contributing to meaningful social initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties including:
  • Scheduling and organizing events and activities related to social development and protection.
  • Conducting research on quantitative and qualitative data regarding social development indicators and policies.
  • Drafting inputs and documents related to social policy, cultural policies, and social protection.
  • Gathering and summarizing research information on specific topics, particularly in social protection and cultural frameworks.
  • Supporting the organization of seminars and expert meetings, including the production of briefs and presentations.
  • Collaborating with team members and processing statistical information.
  • Contributing to the updating of databases and websites of the Social Development Division as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must also provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the process. Previous knowledge of social protection policies, cultural policies, or public expenditure is essential for this internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during their internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to social development, public policy, or cultural studies.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required for this internship, as these are the primary working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage in a multilingual work environment.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Chile 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Apply now
Similar Jobs