Intern for Security Institutions

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Branch of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The PBPSO was established in late 2025 with the mission to enhance the United Nations' capacity to prevent conflict and sustain peace. It operates across various peacekeeping missions and supports prevention, peacebuilding, and peace support initiatives. The DDR Branch specifically focuses on planning and operational support for DDR programs and community violence reduction in multiple peacekeeping operations, including MINUSCA, MONUSCO, UNSOM, UNSMIL, and UNOAU. The organization aims to strengthen peacebuilding efforts globally and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Interns will engage in various tasks that support the DDR Branch's mission, including research, drafting documents, and assisting in communication efforts. The position is available in a hybrid work arrangement, requiring four days in the office and one day of remote work each week. Interns can choose between full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week) commitments, with the internship lasting for an initial period of three months, extendable to six months based on the needs of the Branch. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the United Nations and contribute to important peacebuilding initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assisting in drafting and reviewing briefing notes, reports, and other internal documents; conducting research on current developments related to DDR in assigned countries; supporting the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR; assisting in the development and dissemination of communication materials; maintaining fact sheets and information repositories on peacekeeping missions; attending conferences and meetings relevant to the DDR Branch; providing verbal or written briefings; and performing administrative tasks as needed. Interns will also be expected to take on additional responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the DDR Branch's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or 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 should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Skills in drafting news articles, social media posts, and designing surveys are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, particularly in fields related to political science, international relations, peace studies, or similar disciplines. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, volunteer work, or other internships that demonstrate a commitment to the field of peacebuilding and disarmament.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, as the United Nations operates in multiple languages and values linguistic diversity.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may need to obtain a G-4 visa to undertake the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that all applicants must be authorized to work in the country where the internship is located, whether it is remote, hybrid, or on-site. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a fair and transparent selection process.