Intern - Journal of the United Nations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is a vital part of the United Nations system, established in 1945, with a mission to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, uphold human rights, and coordinate international cooperation. The organization operates globally, with a presence in multiple countries and a workforce comprising thousands of employees dedicated to various functions. The UN Secretariat plays a crucial role in facilitating the work of the UN General Assembly, the Security Council, and other UN bodies, ensuring that the organization's goals are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Journal Unit of the Central Planning and Coordination Division of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management is designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the editorial, information management, and publication processes associated with the Journal of the United Nations. The Journal serves as a historical record of activities at UN Headquarters, documenting meetings, events, agendas, and related documentation in six official languages. Interns will engage in various project-based activities, gaining practical experience while contributing to the UN's mission. The internship is structured to be full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, but can be adjusted to part-time or remote based on the successful candidate's needs. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in information management, communications, and publishing within an international context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of duties that support the Journal Unit's objectives, including: learning about the editorial and publication processes; assisting with research and organization of information for UN meetings and events; contributing to data review and organization for internal databases; supporting projects related to multilingual publishing and digital content management; observing the Journal Content Management System (JCMS) in action; preparing and updating reference materials and training resources; participating in initiatives to enhance knowledge sharing and user experience; assisting in the preparation of presentations and reports; gaining exposure to interactions with Secretariat offices; and performing other project-related assignments that align with learning objectives and professional development goals.

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 should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Teams, to effectively perform their duties.

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. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate may be required at a later stage. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge to complement their practical experiences during the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to the field of international relations, communications, or information management.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to multilingual publishing efforts.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must obtain a G-4 visa to undertake the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that all applicants must be authorized to work in the country where the internship will be conducted, whether remotely, hybrid, or on-site. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of visa and/or work authorization before starting the internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and does not require information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.