Internship in Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat, established in 1945, is an international organization that aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in multiple countries around the world and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to various missions, including humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping, and development. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
This internship is a six-month, full-time position that operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring interns to work both in-person at the United Nations premises in New York and remotely. The intern will be part of the Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch (SCPCRB) within the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The SCPCRB serves as the advisory and research arm of SCAD, focusing on preparing the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council, providing guidance on Council practices, supporting outreach, and acting as the Secretariat’s focal point on Security Council reform. Interns will engage in research, analysis, and drafting related to Security Council practices and will support public awareness of SCPCRB tools and outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting research on political developments related to Security Council agenda items, assisting with documentation and cataloguing of information on evolving Council practices and working methods, and conducting research, analysis, and drafting studies for the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council. They will also support outreach efforts, including the preparation of social media content, assist in developing and updating databases on Security Council practices and subsidiary bodies, and perform other duties as required by the Chief of the Branch and the Senior/Political Affairs Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Strong research and drafting skills are essential, along with proficiency in standard software applications such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, and MS PowerBI. Knowledge of Canva and other data visualization tools is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship; however, relevant academic experience or coursework in political science, international relations, or a related field is advantageous. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. The expected duration is six months, with a desired start date of August 3, 2026, or sooner. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and applicants who have previously served six months as an intern in the UN Common Systems are not eligible.