Intern in the Visitors Services Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges through dialogue and collaboration. The UN operates in various sectors, including human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City, where it engages with member states and civil society to foster international cooperation and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive experience within the Visitors Services Section (VSS) of the Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the 2026 Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship (RAF) programme, which aims to provide talented young journalists from developing countries with exposure to the workings of the UN. The intern will assist in various tasks, including social media management, content creation, and visitor engagement, all while working under the supervision of experienced staff members. The position is full-time and in-person, requiring a commitment of five days a week, with the possibility of adjustments based on the intern's availability and the needs of the organization. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the UN's operations and contribute to its mission of fostering global understanding and cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting the RAF Manager in managing the 2026 RAF programme, developing and posting engaging social media content, interacting with followers on social media platforms, monitoring social media metrics, and contributing to relevant reports. Additionally, the intern may support other units within VSS with daily duties, such as responding to visitor inquiries at the Public Inquiries Counter and assisting with the Teach the UN initiative. The intern will also perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring a well-rounded experience within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or (b) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is essential. Candidates should possess good knowledge of software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, and demonstrate the ability to manage social media accounts effectively. Skills in using design and task-management software, such as Canva and Trello, are desirable.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have completed or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, such as communications, journalism, international relations, or a related discipline. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the UN's operations and the role of media in promoting its objectives.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include experience in social media management, content creation, or any related field that demonstrates the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN 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 expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs. Interns must provide their own hardware, software, and internet connection to perform their duties. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants must ensure they have the necessary visa and work authorization to undertake the internship in the United States. The internship is expected to last for six months, starting on July 1, 2026, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.