Intern for the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG)

Job Posting Organization:
The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The DSDG plays a crucial role in promoting and coordinating the implementation of the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations. Established to support the global efforts towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the DSDG serves as the global secretariat for these goals. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development worldwide and operates in various countries, engaging with member states and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the SDGs. The DSDG is staffed by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing the sustainable development agenda, and it collaborates with a wide range of partners to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the DSDG is designed to provide support in the fact-checking process for the upcoming Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), which is scheduled for release in September 202

• Interns will work closely with the Chief of the Integrated Policy Analysis Branch (IPAB) and will be involved in various tasks that are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the report. The internship is a full-time position requiring 35 hours per week and is primarily in-person in New York City, although adjustments can be made based on the successful candidate's requests. The role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in sustainable development, research, and policy analysis, providing hands-on experience in a significant global initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include preparing a comprehensive fact-checking matrix that will catalog all facts referenced in the GSDR, including page and paragraph numbers and the sources cited in the report. This matrix will be instrumental in verifying the accuracy of the draft text against original sources and confirming the reference list. Additionally, the intern will compile references for the bibliography, formatting all sources into endnotes and producing a reference list in accordance with the United Nations Editorial Manual. The intern will also draft short research inputs, compiling evidence on specific sustainable development topics as needed by the Independent Group of Scientists (IGS). Furthermore, the intern will carry out statistical analysis, compiling data and producing draft tables, graphs, and calculations for the IGS as required. These responsibilities are critical to the integrity and quality of the GSDR, and the intern will gain valuable experience in research methodologies and data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: they should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or they should be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should possess experience with reference management tools such as Endnote, Zotero, or Mendeley, and have a solid understanding of citation styles and academic peer review processes. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is also required for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation that supports their ability to engage with complex sustainable development topics and contribute effectively to the research and fact-checking processes involved in the GSDR.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes familiarity with reference management tools and academic research methodologies. While prior internship experience is not explicitly required, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of research processes and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Experience in academic writing or research analysis will be beneficial for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory 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 the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.