Intern - Human Resources

Intern - Human Resources

United Nations Secretariat

May 5, 2026May 13, 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. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and other locations around the globe. The UN is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Common Administrative Platform at the United Nations Headquarters, specifically under the One Executive Office (One EO) within the Division of Administration in the Department of Operational Support (DOS). This role is part of the UN80 reform initiative, which aims to enhance the efficiency of administrative functions across the UN Secretariat. The intern will support the Human Resources Working Group in streamlining HR service delivery, standardizing workflows, and recommending automation and digitization of HR processes. The intern will gain practical experience in various HR functions, including process design, operational setup, reporting tools, talent management, and communications. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and contribute to significant organizational improvements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be involved in a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing HR processes and service delivery. Key responsibilities include:
  • Supporting the development and documentation of standardized HR workflows aligned with validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Contributing to the simplification and harmonization of HR processes across talent sourcing, recruitment, staff administration, and non-staff management.
  • Assisting in mapping current HR processes, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing improvements.
  • Supporting the creation of operational guidelines for the new HR setup and defining coordinated workflows across various desks.
  • Assisting in drafting service models and role definitions to ensure clarity and accountability.
  • Recommending and contributing to the design of HR reporting tools, dashboards, and planning instruments.
  • Supporting the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) for workforce planning.
  • Assisting in the design and implementation of learning plans and training materials.
  • Supporting the coordination and delivery of training sessions. 1
  • Planning and disseminating communication products related to HR initiatives. 1
  • Collaborating with various teams across DOS to support cross-functional HR initiatives. 1
  • Proposing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and service quality. 1
  • Maintaining internal records, databases, and SharePoint repositories. 1
  • Performing other duties as required.

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). A background in human resources, psychology, education, public administration, or related fields is desirable. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel, is required. Familiarity with content authoring software, synchronous learning tools, learning platforms, data analytic tools, and media design software is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor’s degree program. Fields of study that are closely related to human resources, psychology, education, or public administration are preferred. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the HR initiatives at the United Nations.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is advantageous for candidates to have a field of study that closely aligns with the internship's focus. This means that relevant academic projects, volunteer work, or internships in related areas can enhance a candidate's application and prepare them for the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this internship position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication within the diverse international environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
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