Internship at the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO) was established by the Secretary-General to enhance oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the UN Sustainable Development Group. The office is tasked with conducting global system-wide evaluations on strategic issues related to the UN development system. The SWEO aims to provide valuable insights for policy-making and operational decisions, ensuring that the UN's efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The office's work is guided by the 2024 UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy, and it operates with a focus on generating evaluation evidence to promote knowledge sharing and learning within the UN system. The SWEO's evaluations for 2026 will cover various topics, including the UN's approach to SDG acceleration, food systems coordination, and system coordination in the Sahel region, among others. The office also emphasizes the importance of producing evaluation guidance and communication materials to support its mission.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the System-Wide Evaluation Office is designed for individuals interested in the UN system, sustainable development, and monitoring and evaluation. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience within an international organization, starting from April 2026 for a duration of 4-6 months. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced managers and will be assigned projects that align with their educational background and interests. This role allows interns to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, gaining exposure to the operations of the United Nations Secretariat. Interns will be involved in various tasks, including document preparation, data collection and analysis, and the development of evaluation knowledge management products. The position is suitable for both full-time and part-time commitments, providing flexibility to accommodate different schedules.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns at the System-Wide Evaluation Office will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the preparation of documents and guidance materials through desk research and report writing.
• Assisting evaluation teams in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
• Preparing evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials, such as databases, newsletters, and web-enabled platforms.
• Drafting presentations and other communication materials, including editing, formatting, and data visualization.
• Supporting the coordination of workplans and strategies for evaluation projects.
• Engaging in outreach activities by preparing for meetings, events, and drafting background notes.
• Taking minutes during meetings and ensuring timely follow-up on action items.
• Assisting with the development of office systems as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• Be in the final academic year of a university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).
• Have graduated with a university degree as defined in (1) and (2). Preferred fields of study include social sciences, economics, or public administration, with coursework in evaluation or related methodologies being advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as a commitment to the UN's mission and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in social sciences, economics, public administration, or a related field. Enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program is required. Coursework related to evaluation methodologies or applied research is preferred, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with demonstrable interest in the UN system, sustainable development, and monitoring and evaluation will be favored. Skills in data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, are desirable, as well as experience with software applications related to data visualization and analysis.

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

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, with a duration of 4-6 months, starting in June or July 202

• Interns are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory, and candidates must ensure they have valid visa and employment authorization to undertake the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for payment.