UN Economic Affairs Intern

UN Economic Affairs Intern

United Nations Secretariat

July 27, 2026September 1, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) is a part of the United Nations. The office focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. It aims to promote sustainable development and enhance the global partnership for development. The organization operates globally, working with various stakeholders to implement policies and programs that support these vulnerable nations. The OHRLLS is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing technical assistance to help these countries achieve their development goals.

Job Overview:
The UN Economic intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of economic affairs within the United Nations framework. Interns will be engaged in a variety of tasks that contribute to the work of the OHRLLS. The internship is structured to last for two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on departmental needs. Interns are expected to work full-time, typically five days a week, totaling 35 hours. The internship is primarily in-person at the New York duty station, but there is flexibility for remote work arrangements depending on the intern's situation. Interns will gain exposure to the workings of the UN and develop skills in research, document preparation, and project evaluation, among other areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties that may include: assisting in drafting and preparing official documents, attending and summarizing conferences and meetings, conducting document, legal, and internet research, providing assistance during conferences, working on web presentations, evaluating projects, compiling statistics, performing media analysis, and engaging in speechwriting. The specific responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background, assigned office, and the internship period. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member, who will guide them in their daily tasks and provide mentorship throughout the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) 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 must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Proof of meeting these criteria must be provided with the application.

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. program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship position, ensuring that interns have the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the OHRLLS.

Experience:
The UN Internship Programme does not require prior professional work experience. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This allows interns to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, 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 perform their duties effectively. Knowledge of other UN official languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses during the internship period. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free of charge.
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