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 focuses on various thematic areas including economics, demographics, social statistics, and sustainable development goals. Established to enhance the global statistical framework, UNSD operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various international organizations to improve statistical capacity and data quality. The UNSD employs a diverse team of professionals who work together to advance the use of statistics in policy-making and development.

Job Overview:
The Statistics Intern position at the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of statistics and data analysis. Interns will work closely with experienced statisticians and contribute to various projects that involve geospatial data collection, analysis, and visualization. The internship is structured to provide hands-on experience in statistical methodologies and practices, allowing interns to support the division's work on data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in projects related to economic statistics, demographic and social statistics, and sustainable development goals, thereby gaining insights into the workings of a major international organization. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, typically five days a week, with the possibility of flexible work arrangements depending on the needs of the successful candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the UNSD's mission. Key responsibilities include conducting geospatial research, drafting written contributions for reports and technical papers, and preparing policy briefs and other documents related to geospatial information management. Interns will also produce outreach materials such as maps, infographics, and social media content, contributing to data storytelling and visualization efforts. Additionally, they will assist in the design, organization, and management of geospatial data compilation and dissemination, as well as support the development and management of geospatial information systems and databases. Interns will be involved in maintaining geospatial databases and dashboards, ensuring data accuracy and usability, and performing other related duties as assigned by their supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R is desirable. While professional work experience is not required, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is strongly desirable, as is the ability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required at a later stage of the application process. The educational background should be closely related to statistics, data analysis, or a relevant field that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of statistical methods and data analysis. Interns will benefit from having practical experience in research or projects related to statistics or data management, which can be gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or previous internships.

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 the candidate's application.

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 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 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.