Policy and Administration Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues. The organization emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, striving to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Policy and Administration Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and policy development within the United Nations framework. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week over a duration of six months. Interns will work closely with the UN Police Adviser and senior management team, assisting in the research, analysis, and formulation of policy positions based on the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Police Peacekeeping. This role is crucial for supporting the administration of the UN police knowledge management system, which facilitates organizational learning and cohesion in efforts related to peace operations. Interns will also contribute to the development and maintenance of strategic planning tools and evaluation instruments that aid in the effective implementation of UN police mandates. Additionally, the intern will support the preparation and coordination of UN police events and assist with day-to-day activities in the Office of Police Adviser, providing a comprehensive overview of the inner workings of UN operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include: assisting in the research and analysis of policy positions for the UN Police Adviser; supporting the administration of the UN police knowledge management system; helping develop and maintain strategic planning tools and evaluation instruments; preparing and coordinating UN police events; assisting with daily operations in the Office of Police Adviser; and performing any other duties as assigned. This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various aspects of UN operations and contribute to meaningful projects that impact international peacekeeping efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet 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). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to international relations, public policy, or other relevant disciplines that align with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that pertains to the duties they will be performing during the internship. This position is particularly suited for students in their final year of study or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a global organization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. 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.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is six months, with a desired start date of May 31, 2026, or sooner. The United Nations encourages female candidates to apply and emphasizes its commitment to gender balance and diversity. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this position. Additionally, family members of active UN staff are also ineligible. A complete online application, including a motivational statement and personal history profile, is required.