Internship with the Development Cooperation Forum

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically through the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) which operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various sectors and operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on international development, humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for individuals interested in international development cooperation and infrastructure asset management. The intern will engage with the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) and the UN capacity development initiative, which aims to enhance the capabilities of national and local governments in developing countries. The role involves conducting research, supporting policy analysis, and contributing to the dissemination of findings and recommendations. Interns will gain hands-on experience in preparing communication materials, organizing workshops, and participating in high-level intergovernmental meetings. The position is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last between 3 to 6 months. The internship is primarily in-person but may be adjusted to accommodate remote work requests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the DCF and the UN capacity development initiative on infrastructure asset management. Key responsibilities include: conducting research for policy papers, collecting data on trends in international development cooperation, and analyzing the effectiveness of official development assistance (ODA). The intern will also assist in disseminating DCF analysis through social media, blogs, and press statements, and will prepare briefing notes and speeches for senior UN officials. Additionally, the intern will follow intergovernmental meetings, prepare summaries, and assist in organizing training workshops related to infrastructure asset management. Other ad hoc assignments may include notetaking during meetings and compiling workshop summaries.

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 provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to international development, public policy, social sciences, or a related area. This includes students in their final year of a bachelor’s program, as well as those in master’s or doctoral programs. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in research and policy analysis.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to international development and infrastructure asset management. This could include research projects, internships, or volunteer work in similar fields.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship may offer flexible work arrangements, including the possibility of remote work, depending on the situation of the successful candidates. It is important for interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country to discuss visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.