Internship at the United Nations

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 countries. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues. The organization aims to foster international collaboration and address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, while also promoting human rights and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
This internship at the United Nations is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in a dynamic international environment. The internship is expected to last for six months, starting from July 1, 2026, or sooner, and can be conducted in a flexible work arrangement, including hybrid, remote, or in-person options. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that align with their academic background and the needs of the organization. The role is primarily focused on supporting the UN's mission through research, documentation, and logistical assistance during conferences and meetings. Interns will have the opportunity to develop their skills in drafting official documents, summarizing discussions, and preparing materials for senior officials, thereby gaining valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the internship include, but are not limited to: assisting in drafting and preparing official documents; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; providing logistical support during events; assisting with interactive presentations; conducting document, legal, and internet research; performing media analysis and research; compiling statistics; evaluating projects; preparing project materials; creating briefing materials for managers and senior officials; and engaging in speech writing. The specific daily responsibilities will depend on the intern's background and the nature of the projects they are involved in, allowing for a tailored experience that meets both the intern's and the organization's needs.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: (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, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Skills in drafting news articles or social media posts, as well as designing surveys and polls, are considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Applicants must provide proof of their academic status, including the title of the degree they are pursuing and their graduation date, as part of their application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This allows interns to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing their understanding of international relations and organizational operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, 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. The United Nations encourages applications from female candidates to promote gender balance and diversity within its workforce. Candidates who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this internship. Additionally, family members of active UN staff members are also ineligible. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's interest in the internship and their qualifications. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.