Internship at the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC) is a multi-party entity that plays a crucial role in providing global situational awareness and crisis management. It operates under the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and is responsible for delivering cross-pillar analysis, research, and data-driven services to senior UN interagency leadership. The UNOCC integrates various perspectives including peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian efforts, sustainable development, and human rights. It is strategically positioned to inform senior decision-making within the UN framework, ensuring that the organization can respond effectively to crises and operational challenges. The UNOCC is overseen by a Client Board comprising principals from various UN entities, ensuring that its operations align with the broader goals of the UN system. The organization is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that enhances the effectiveness of UN operations globally.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the UNOCC is designed for motivated individuals who are eager to support the work of the Research and Liaison Unit (RLU) or the Prevention Team. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the analysis and understanding of political, security, humanitarian, and socio-economic developments that are critical to the UN's mission. The role involves assisting in the preparation of analytical outputs, including visual presentations and reports that inform senior leadership decisions. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in high-level meetings, contributing to discussions and providing summaries of key points. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in international relations and crisis management within a prestigious global organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties that support the objectives of the UNOCC. These include:

• Monitoring and analyzing political and security developments, human rights situations, and humanitarian issues relevant to UN activities.
• Assisting in the preparation of visual slides and analytical briefs for senior UN leadership, utilizing tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and possibly Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Identifying and maintaining data sources, developing datasets and indicators for analytical products.
• Supporting the delivery of presentations to Member States, including compiling and visualizing information under time constraints.
• Participating in meetings, drafting minutes and summaries, and assisting in the preparation of senior-level correspondence.
• Processing and organizing structured surveys to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Tracking and analyzing senior-level decisions and their implementation to ensure effective follow-up and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong performance across the UN core competencies, including Communication, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, and Technological Awareness. They should be able to work collaboratively with colleagues, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and manage competing priorities efficiently. A strong understanding of technology and its application in enhancing work processes is also essential. Additionally, candidates should possess strong research and analytical skills, particularly in data visualization and management, which are critical for the role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this internship is a high school diploma. However, candidates must also meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). This educational background ensures that interns have the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with complex issues relevant to the UN's work.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates with relevant coursework or internships in international relations, political science, social science, public policy, economics, law, or data analysis will be preferred. Experience with Geographic Information Systems and mapping is also desirable, as it aligns with the analytical tasks expected of interns in this role. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, so a willingness to learn and adapt is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it 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 a candidate's application. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the diverse and multicultural environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last between three to six months, with a preference for in-person participation in New York. There is potential for a three-month extension for those who start with a three-month internship. The internship may also be conducted remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on the needs of the Research and Liaison Unit or Prevention Team and the preferences of successful candidates. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.