UN DPO DDR Programming Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Branch of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The DDR Branch is responsible for providing planning and operational support to DDR programs and community violence reduction in various peacekeeping operations, including missions in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, and the African Union. The PBPSO was established in late 2025 to enhance the United Nations' capacity to prevent conflict and sustain peace, focusing on prevention, peacebuilding, and peace support across the entire conflict continuum, including early warning, crisis response, and post-mission engagement. The organization aims to strengthen global peace efforts and support communities affected by conflict through various initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The UN DPO DDR Programming Support Intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the DDR Branch's mission. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, allowing the intern to contribute to ongoing projects while gaining valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations. The intern will be involved in drafting and reviewing documents, conducting research on DDR developments, and supporting the work of the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR. The position requires a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the team's objectives, with opportunities to attend conferences and meetings relevant to the DDR Branch's work. The internship is structured to be flexible, accommodating both full-time and part-time schedules, and is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the Branch.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including: assisting in drafting and reviewing briefing notes, reports, and other internal documents; conducting research on current developments related to DDR in assigned countries; supporting the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR, including the review process of the Integrated DDR Standards; designing UML diagrams for data visualization; assisting in the development and dissemination of communication and public information materials; maintaining fact sheets and information repositories on peacekeeping missions; attending conferences and meetings of interest to the DDR Branch and providing briefings; assisting with administrative tasks within the DDR Branch, including organizing meetings; and performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor. This role requires a collaborative spirit and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

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 for the UN Internship Programme, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts is desirable, as is the capability to design surveys and polls.

Educational Background:
Candidates should 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. program. Proof of enrollment or completion will be required during the application process. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, ideally in fields related to political science, international relations, peace studies, or similar disciplines that align with the work of the DDR Branch.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, volunteer work, or academic studies related to disarmament, peacebuilding, or international relations. The internship is designed for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of the United Nations.

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 an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages can enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that they 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. The internship can be either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week), with the initial duration set for three months and a possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the DDR Branch. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.