Internship in the Division for Inclusive Social Development

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations (UN), 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. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, with a focus on various global issues including social development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The DISD aims to strengthen international cooperation for inclusive social development, addressing issues such as poverty eradication, social protection, and the promotion of inclusive economic systems.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide support to the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) at the United Nations, particularly in relation to cooperative development and the follow-up to the International Year of Cooperatives 202

• The intern will engage in research, outreach, and communication activities that emphasize the role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable and inclusive development. The position requires close collaboration with the Global Dialogue for Social Development Branch (GDSDB) and other DISD staff involved in cooperative initiatives. The intern will gain valuable experience in international development and social policy while contributing to significant projects aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of cooperative development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation and communication of key cooperative-related events scheduled for 2026; enhancing the visibility of cooperative development initiatives through digital outreach and communication strategies; providing research inputs that support the evaluation of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025; and fostering engagement with stakeholders and partners involved in cooperative development. The intern's contributions will play a crucial role in promoting cooperatives as vital components of inclusive development and will support DISD's broader objectives related to sustainable and people-centered development. Additionally, the intern will help in the follow-up to the Second World Social Summit and the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive economic institutions.

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). It is essential for applicants to be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or to have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. Proof of meeting these criteria must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. While professional work experience is not mandatory for the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. This indicates that candidates should have a strong academic foundation, ideally in fields related to social development, economics, international relations, or similar disciplines that align with the objectives of the DISD.

Experience:
The position does not require prior professional work experience, making it accessible for students and recent graduates. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas concerning social development, cooperative economics, or international relations.

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

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last between 2 to 6 months and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those 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 important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and fair.