Intern, Journal of the United Nations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is a vital part of the United Nations, established to promote international cooperation and maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization operates globally, with a mission to address issues that affect humanity, including human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The UN Secretariat employs thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds and operates in multiple countries, facilitating international dialogue and action on pressing global challenges.

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 accommodate part-time or remote work based on the successful candidate's needs. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to develop skills in information management, communications, and publishing within a prestigious international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks that support the Journal Unit's operations. Responsibilities include: learning about the editorial processes and information management related to the Journal; assisting with research and organization of information for UN meetings and events; contributing to the review and organization of data for internal databases and training materials; supporting projects on multilingual publishing and digital content management; observing the Journal Content Management System (JCMS) in action; preparing reference materials and user guides; participating in initiatives to enhance knowledge sharing and user experience; assisting in the preparation of presentations and reports; and engaging in discussions relevant to the work of the Journal Unit. Interns will also perform other project-related assignments that align with their 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. Additionally, fluency in written and oral French is mandatory, as applicants must be able to communicate effectively in this language.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, communications, information management, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those pursuing or having completed graduate degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.). Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While no prior professional experience is required 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 skills in research, writing, and information management. The focus is on providing an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is required for this internship, 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 profile and ability to contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. 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 take place, whether in-person, hybrid, or remote. Additionally, applicants who have previously served six months as an intern in any UN Secretariat entity are not eligible for this internship. The application process requires a motivational statement detailing the candidate's interest in the internship, their current degree program, and their availability. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.