Internship in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries worldwide, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees dedicated to various functions, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights advocacy.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically within the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC). The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UN's operational activities and sustainable development goals. The position requires a commitment of 35 hours per week, with flexibility based on the intern's needs. The internship is set to last for six months, starting in January 2026, and will involve participation in official meetings, negotiations, and the preparation of reports and analyses that are crucial for the UN's work. Interns will gain valuable insights into the workings of the UN and contribute to significant projects that impact global development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on the work programme during the internship period. Key duties include conducting research on sustainable development topics, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and creating data visualizations and infographics. The intern will also support the development and implementation of surveys related to UN operational activities, assist in organizing high-level panels and seminars for the General Assembly and ECOSOC, and prepare summaries of their outcomes. Additionally, the intern will follow intergovernmental meetings in ECOSOC and the General Assembly, drafting summaries of discussions and consultations as needed. The role requires adaptability and the ability to respond to tasks on short notice, reflecting the dynamic nature of support provided to senior UN officials and Member States.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Candidates should possess strong computer skills, particularly in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Excellent drafting skills in English are essential, along with the ability to synthesize information quickly and work independently with minimal supervision. Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs are also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must 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. A field of study closely related to the internship's focus is required, ensuring that applicants have the relevant academic background to contribute effectively to the work of the UN.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not mandatory for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, relevant academic experience or coursework in fields related to sustainable development, international relations, or public policy is highly beneficial. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain insights into the UN's operations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the UN emphasizes that there are no fees associated with any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to pay for application, interview, or training processes.