Intern for Security Institutions

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Branch of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The PBPSO was established in late 2025 to enhance the United Nations' ability to prevent conflict and sustain peace. It supports various peacebuilding initiatives across the full conflict continuum, including early warning, crisis response, peace operations, political missions, mission transitions, and post-mission engagement. The DDR Branch specifically provides planning and operational support to DDR programs and community violence reduction in several peacekeeping operations, including MINUSCA, MONUSCO, UNSOM, UNSMIL, and UNOAU. The organization aims to strengthen the UN's capacity to address conflicts and promote peace globally.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, focusing on the development of the DDR Information Management System (IMS). Interns will work closely with the Information Management Unit and DDR/IT Officers to analyze existing databases, gather requirements, and visualize data through various modeling techniques. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying gaps in current systems and proposing solutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of DDR processes. Interns will also be responsible for drafting functional requirement documents and providing training to staff on the use of the DDR/IMS. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the UN's mission of promoting peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security while gaining valuable insights into international relations and organizational operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including coordinating with the Information Management Unit and DDR/IT Officers to develop the DDR Information Management System. They will conduct current state analyses of existing DDR databases, perform gap analyses, and gather requirements from project stakeholders. Interns will visualize requirements through UML diagrams, create business process diagrams, and conduct analyses of available technologies. They will also define project workflows, draft functional requirement documents, and ensure the confidentiality and security of DDR data. Additional duties include developing user guides, training staff, and troubleshooting issues related to the DDR/IMS. Interns may also be asked to perform other tasks as assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
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). While professional work experience is not required, a field of IT study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must demonstrate good knowledge of business/system analysis, requirements gathering, and converting business requirements into technical specifications. Familiarity with JAD sessions, SDLC, gap analysis, UML, and BPMN is essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to conduct user interviews are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, such as Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of a bachelor's program, as well as those pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational program must be provided during the application process.

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. Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques, particularly Power BI, is considered desirable but not mandatory. The internship is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly in the context of international organizations and peacebuilding efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this 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 advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application. Strong communication skills in both languages will be beneficial for conducting interviews and articulating requirements effectively.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time interns are expected to work 35 hours per week, while part-time interns will work 20 hours per week. The internship duration is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the DDR Branch. The position is hybrid, requiring four days in the office and one day of remote work. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants must provide a motivational statement detailing their interest in the internship, their degree title, and graduation date. Additionally, candidates should include their past work experiences, IT skills, and references in their online application. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.