Intern - Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development

Intern - Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development

UN Departments

July 7, 2026August 8, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations, specifically within the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC). 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 countries. DESA plays a crucial role in supporting the intergovernmental processes and providing substantive support to the UN's work on sustainable development. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and personnel dedicated to various aspects of economic and social development.

Job Overview:
This internship position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of sustainable development within the United Nations framework. Interns will be engaged in a variety of tasks that support the work of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC). The internship is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, and is primarily located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. However, there is flexibility for remote work arrangements based on mutual agreement. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects related to the UN's sustainable development agenda, including the monitoring of intergovernmental meetings and the preparation of documentation for high-level forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include: contributing to the monitoring and analysis of the work of UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC; supporting meetings by taking notes and summarizing key issues; assisting in the preparation of conferences and meetings related to the High-level Political Forum on sustainable development; preparing substantive documentation, including speeches and background notes; conducting research and analysis on policy areas related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; managing information and correspondence; and undertaking other tasks as required by the office. The specific duties will depend on the intern's background and the needs of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or be within a few years from graduation and in an early stage of their careers. No prior work experience is required, but applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Computer literacy in standard software applications is essential, and knowledge of sustainable development issues is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping others informed.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master's or Ph.D.) or be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required during the application process. A field of study related to sustainable development or the specific internship area is necessary to ensure that the intern can contribute effectively to the UN's work.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This opportunity is particularly suited for students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in an international organization and contribute to global sustainable development efforts.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the UN and the internship's location in New York. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, 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. The internship duration is expected to be between 2 to 6 months, and interns may work part-time under a flexible work arrangement if agreed upon. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all candidates.
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