Intern - Social Innovation and Special Projects

Intern - Social Innovation and Special Projects

UN Departments

March 5, 2026March 17, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, 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. The UN has a vast network of operations across the globe, with over 193 member states and numerous specialized agencies. The organization employs thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds and operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping. The UN aims to address global challenges and foster international collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of social innovation and special projects within the United Nations. The intern will work closely with the Social Innovation and Special Projects team in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) of the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The primary focus of this internship is to support the development and deployment of a language learning project, which is part of the broader mission of the UN to enhance peacekeeping operations through effective communication and training. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall objectives of the team, including research, data analysis, policy review, and report preparation. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining insights into the workings of the UN and contributing to meaningful projects that have a global impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that support the Social Innovation and Special Projects team, including but not limited to: conducting research on social innovation and language learning issues; performing statistical analysis and data extraction; reviewing policies and documents relevant to the team; preparing reports, concept papers, and policy documents; attending conferences and meetings to take notes; servicing conferences and meetings; managing databases; assisting with project management development; developing a pilot program for language training; editing and creating content for digital learning products; collecting and analyzing data; and performing other duties as required. This comprehensive set of responsibilities will provide the intern with a well-rounded experience in project management and policy development within the UN framework.

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. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their academic status and cover their own expenses related to travel, accommodation, and living costs during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background, which includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree program, or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to social innovation, project management, or policy evaluation.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, any experience related to content development, project management, or research will be considered advantageous. Candidates are encouraged to provide descriptions of any relevant experiences they may have, particularly those that demonstrate their ability to contribute to the tasks outlined in the internship description.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although it can be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote based on the successful candidate's needs. The internship duration is initially set for two months for full-time positions and four months for part-time positions, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months depending on the needs of the division. Interns are responsible for covering all costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates must ensure they meet visa requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located.
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