Internship in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

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 diverse workforce of over 37,000 employees and operates in more than 190 countries worldwide. Its various agencies and programs work towards sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance, among other goals.

Job Overview:
This internship position is situated in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically within the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Office of the Director (OD). The internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, although adjustments can be made based on the successful candidate's requests. The internship is unpaid and located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the possibility of remote work depending on the needs of the office. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will be involved in various tasks that align with their background and the office's requirements. The internship duration ranges from 2 to 6 months, providing interns with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international policy and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may include assisting in the preparation of substantive documentation, conducting research assignments, and performing analysis in multiple policy areas related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. They will also assist in the preparation of major international conferences and meetings supported by the Division, such as the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the 81st Session of the General Assembly. Additional duties may involve drafting and preparing official documents, attending and summarizing conferences and meetings, conducting document and legal research, and engaging in speechwriting. Interns will analyze qualitative and quantitative sustainable development data and prepare related visualizations. They will also follow and report on various intergovernmental and expert group meetings, preparing draft summaries of discussions and consultations as requested. Furthermore, interns will assist with information and database management, contributing to the overall efficiency of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) be within a few years from graduation and in an early stage of their careers, subject to review on a case-by-case basis. No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme, but applicants should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the UN during their internship. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Educational Background:
Candidates must 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). The field of study should be closely related to the internship type being applied for. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications must be provided with the application.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This opportunity is particularly suited for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.