Internship in Financing for Sustainable Development Office

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), specifically through the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a focus on sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working across various departments and offices to address international challenges and foster global partnerships.

Job Overview:
The internship at the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in the field of economic and social development. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member in the Policy Analysis and Development Branch (PADB) and will engage in research and analysis related to financing for development. This includes areas such as sustainable private finance, domestic public resources, international development cooperation, and debt sustainability. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is primarily in-person, although flexible arrangements may be available based on the intern's needs. The position is unpaid, and interns will gain valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations and its efforts to promote sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks that support the work of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office. Responsibilities include assisting in the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development, conducting research and preparing background papers on financing for sustainable development issues, attending and summarizing conferences and meetings, and providing logistical and administrative support during conferences. Interns will also compile statistics and perform data analysis to support the department's initiatives. This role requires strong communication skills, teamwork, and a client-oriented approach, as interns will interact with various stakeholders and contribute to the department's goals.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations Internship Programme. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate school program (such as a Master's degree or Ph.D.) or being in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a field of study related to economics or a similar discipline. While professional work experience is not required, relevant academic qualifications are essential. Interns should also possess good knowledge of software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and have the ability to draft news articles or social media posts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a strong educational background relevant to the internship. This includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program (Master's or Ph.D.) or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. A field of study in economics or a related area is preferred. Applicants are required to provide proof of their academic status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage in the application process. This educational requirement ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical foundation to contribute effectively to the department's work.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of sustainable development and financing. The emphasis is on the applicant's educational qualifications and their ability to engage with the work of the United Nations rather than on previous job experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, which is another official UN language, is considered an asset. This language requirement ensures that interns can effectively communicate and collaborate within the diverse environment of the United Nations, where multiple languages are used.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns 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 with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. The internship is expected to last between three to six months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.