Statistics Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The UNSD is dedicated to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information to support the work of the United Nations and its member states. The organization aims to enhance the capacity of countries to produce and use high-quality statistics for evidence-based decision-making. Established to promote the use of statistics in the global community, the UNSD operates in multiple countries, providing technical assistance and guidance in statistical methodologies and practices. The division plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing data and statistical support to monitor progress and inform policy decisions. The UNSD employs a diverse team of professionals who are committed to advancing the field of statistics and improving data quality worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Statistics Intern position at the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in the field of statistics and data analysis. Interns will work closely with experienced statisticians and contribute to various projects that support the division's mission of enhancing statistical capacity and promoting the use of data for sustainable development. The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, although flexible work arrangements may be available based on the needs of the successful candidate. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks, including data collection, validation, analysis, and dissemination, as well as contributing to the development of statistical databases and software. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates who are passionate about statistics and eager to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: creating research and written contributions for reports and other documents; developing software prototypes using programming languages such as Python; producing content for outreach efforts, including social media; assisting in the design, organization, planning, and management of statistical data collection and evaluation; developing and managing statistical databases and dashboards; providing training and technical support on data collection programs; conducting methodological research for technical documentation; preparing draft technical documents for international meetings; assisting in the organization of seminars and expert meetings; and contributing to communication efforts, data storytelling, and data visualization projects. Interns may also be assigned additional tasks as needed by their respective sections within the UNSD.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: 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). Candidates should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams). Desirable skills include the ability to draft and edit articles, newsletters, and social media content, as well as the capacity to analyze and visualize data, work with databases, and design surveys and polls. Proficiency in software development using Python or similar programming languages is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree program (bachelor's or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic foundation in a field closely related to the internship, such as statistics, data science, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that they have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities and tasks they will undertake during the internship. The focus is on providing students and recent graduates with practical experience rather than requiring prior professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English 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 a candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the diverse and multicultural environment of the United Nations.

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 located 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 internship is expected to last between two to six months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.