Political Intern

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 human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The organization employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide and has a presence in numerous countries, working towards its goals through various specialized agencies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Political Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and political affairs. The internship will last for six months, with a desired start date of October 5, 2026, or sooner. The intern will be part of the Europe and Central Asia Division within the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York. The role is primarily focused on supporting the Eastern Europe team, which engages with 12 countries and three regional organizations. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant political and operational engagements, providing strategic guidance and analysis on peace and security issues. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although part-time and remote arrangements may be considered based on the intern's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include monitoring media reports and political developments in the Eastern Europe region, conducting background research and analysis on relevant issues, attending and summarizing meetings of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, providing logistical support for organizing meetings and events, preparing briefing materials for senior officials, and performing other assigned tasks. This role is integral to the functioning of the Eastern Europe team and offers a unique opportunity to engage with pressing political matters and contribute to the UN's mission.

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). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must also be able to provide proof of their academic status and qualifications during the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to international relations, political science, peace studies, or a related discipline. This includes students in their final year of a bachelor’s program, as well as those in master’s or doctoral programs. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required as part of the application process.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. Experience in research, analysis, or involvement in political or international affairs through academic projects or volunteer work may be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The UN encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff. Candidates who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this position. Additionally, family members of active UN staff members are also ineligible. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's availability, degree title, graduation date, and reasons for being the best fit for the internship.