UN DPO DDR Programming Support Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically 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 UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, focusing on conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The PBPSO was established in late 2025 to enhance the UN's capacity to prevent conflict and sustain peace across the full conflict continuum, including early warning, crisis response, and post-mission engagement. The DDR Branch specifically supports planning and operational activities related to DDR programs and community violence reduction in various peacekeeping operations.

Job Overview:
The UN DPO DDR Programming Support Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. The intern will work under the supervision of staff members within the DDR Branch, engaging in various project activities that will enhance their understanding of DDR processes. The internship is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, allowing the intern to contribute to significant projects while developing their skills in research, drafting, and communication. The intern will be involved in activities such as assisting in the drafting and reviewing of internal documents, conducting research on DDR developments, supporting the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR, and contributing to the design of data visualization materials. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates who are passionate about peacebuilding and wish to make a meaningful contribution to the UN's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the DDR Branch's objectives. These include:

• Assisting in drafting and reviewing briefing notes, reports, and other internal documents to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Conducting specific research on current developments related to DDR in assigned countries, providing valuable insights for ongoing projects.
• Supporting the work of the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR, including participating in the review process of the Integrated DDR Standards.
• Engaging in data visualization efforts by designing UML diagrams such as use case diagrams, class diagrams, and activity diagrams to enhance understanding of complex information.
• Assisting in the development and dissemination of communication and public information materials to raise awareness about DDR initiatives.
• Maintaining fact sheets and information repositories on peacekeeping missions to ensure up-to-date resources are available.
• Attending conferences and meetings relevant to the DDR Branch and providing verbal or written briefings to staff.
• Assisting with administrative tasks within the DDR Branch, including organizing meetings and managing schedules.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall mission of the DDR Branch.

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 should have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. 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 of the relevant academic program must be provided with the application. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills relevant to the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Experience:
The internship does not require prior professional work experience; however, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This is particularly important for understanding the context and challenges associated with disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English 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 considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. The expected duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the DDR Branch. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G-4 visa is necessary to undertake the internship in the United States. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants must ensure they have the appropriate work authorization before starting the internship.