UN Intern - Public Information

UN Intern - Public Information

United Nations Secretariat

August 18, 2026September 19, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works across multiple countries to implement initiatives that foster economic prosperity and social well-being while protecting the environment.

Job Overview:
The internship is situated within the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications, specifically in the Sustainable Development and Climate Section. This section is dedicated to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Climate Action Agenda, which are pivotal to the UN's efforts in enhancing economic prosperity and social welfare while safeguarding the environment. The internship is designed to last for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, contingent upon the Division's needs and the intern's availability. This is an unpaid, full-time internship requiring interns to work five days a week, totaling 35 hours, under the supervision of the Chief of the Section. Interns will engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and the duration of their internship, contributing to the UN's mission in significant ways.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of activities, including but not limited to:
  • Tracking, researching, and analyzing information on climate change and sustainable development topics, gathering data from diverse sources, and assessing news value and potential impacts.
  • Drafting and compiling information products tailored for specific audiences across various formats, including print, broadcast, and social media.
  • Conducting photo and graphic research to support communication efforts.
  • Assisting in the implementation of the Department of Global Communications' (DGC) communication campaigns by identifying and proposing information opportunities and activities that resonate with target audiences.
  • Helping organize events focused on the SDGs or Climate Action, ensuring effective communication and outreach.
  • Maintaining and updating media and subscription mailing lists to facilitate communication efforts.
  • Monitoring media coverage related to the UN's initiatives.
  • Performing additional tasks as assigned by the Team Lead, contributing to the overall objectives of the Division.

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 a prerequisite for the UN Internship Programme, candidates must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, including knowledge of information management and design tools such as Trello and Canva. Familiarity with Office 365 tools, content management systems, and website monitoring tools (especially Drupal and Google Analytics) is also required. A strong interest in the UN's work and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be either enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). This educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus area, ensuring that interns can contribute effectively to the Division's objectives.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is particularly suited for students in their final year of study or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in a global organization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and can enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G-4 visa to undertake the internship. It is crucial for applicants to ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be wary of any requests for personal financial information.
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