Internship in Security Sector Reform Unit

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 peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of Security Sector Reform (SSR) within the United Nations framework. The intern will work closely with the Security Sector Reform Unit (SSRU) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The primary focus will be on supporting UN peace operations that have SSR mandates, which include peacekeeping missions and special political missions. The intern will engage in various activities that contribute to the development of effective, inclusive, and accountable security institutions, which are essential for national and international security and sustainable development. The internship is structured to be full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, but can be adjusted to part-time or remote work based on the candidate's needs. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the UN and to contribute to meaningful projects that impact global peace and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting country- and region-specific activities, scheduling meetings, attending Security Council meetings, taking notes, and preparing readouts. The intern will assist in developing knowledge and guidance tools through literature reviews and research on best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, the intern will gather, research, analyze, and present information from various sources, assist in drafting documents, manage data and information, and support the organization of expert consultations and engagements with Member States. This role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Candidates should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls, is also essential. While prior professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required during the application process. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to international relations, political science, security studies, or similar fields.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the duties of the position. Experience in research, data analysis, or project support in a related field will be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although part-time arrangements of 20 hours per week may be considered. The internship duration is flexible, with an expected start date of July 6, 2026, or sooner, and can last up to six months. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, encouraging female candidates to apply. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are ineligible for this position. Additionally, family members of active UN staff are not eligible for internship positions. All applicants must complete an online application, including a motivational statement detailing their qualifications and interest in the internship.