Internship with the United Nations Internship Programme

Internship with the United Nations Internship Programme

United Nations Secretariat

April 13, 2026April 17, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
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 such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, working towards sustainable development and humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and sustainable development. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Director of the Regional Commissions New York Office (RCNYO) at the UN Headquarters in New York. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last between 2 to 6 months. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the UN's mission, including attending meetings, drafting documents, and conducting research on regional trends related to sustainable development. This role is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of the UN's operations and contribute to meaningful projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate(s) will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: attending and taking notes at intergovernmental and UN inter-agency meetings, such as those of the General Assembly Committees and the Economic and Social Council; drafting official documents, including background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, and inputs for publications; preparing weekly reports for dissemination to the Regional Commissions; conducting analysis and research on regional trends and dimensions of sustainable development; providing logistical assistance during conferences and meetings of the Regional Commissions; and performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. This internship offers a unique opportunity to engage with high-level discussions and contribute to the UN's work in sustainable development.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, 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). No prior work experience is required, but candidates should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the UN during their internship. It is essential for applicants to indicate which qualification they meet and provide proof with their application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the UN's work.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant training, education, or coursework that aligns with the UN's mission and the responsibilities of the internship. This opportunity is particularly suited for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in international relations and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, making proficiency in these languages essential for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for covering their own travel costs, including visa, accommodation, health insurance, and other living expenses during the internship period. 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 UN encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities, and candidates are invited to specify if they require any reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. Additionally, it is emphasized that the UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Apply now
Similar Jobs