UN Intern - United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO) was established by the Secretary-General to enhance oversight, transparency, accountability, and collective learning across the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. The office is responsible for conducting global system-wide evaluations on strategic issues related to the UN development system. The SWEO aims to provide valuable insights for policy-making and operational implementation, ensuring that the UN's efforts align with sustainable development goals. The office operates under the framework of the 2024 UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy and is committed to generating evaluation evidence that promotes knowledge sharing and learning across the UN system. The SWEO's work includes producing evaluation syntheses, summaries, and guidance, as well as developing systems for effective communication and engagement. Further details about the office's activities can be found in the 2026 Annual Report and on the United Nations website.

Job Overview:
The System-Wide Evaluation Office is looking for interns who are interested in gaining professional experience within the UN system, focusing on sustainable development and evaluation. The internship is set to begin in January 2027 and will last for a duration of six months, with options for full-time or part-time engagement. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced Evaluation Officers and will be involved in various projects that allow them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. This role provides a unique opportunity to engage with the UN Secretariat's work and contribute to significant evaluations that influence policy and operational decisions. Interns will support the office's participation in key events such as the 2027 Economic and Social Council Operational Activities Segment and the 2027 SDG Summit, gaining exposure to high-level discussions and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that contribute to the overall mission of the System-Wide Evaluation Office. These duties include: assisting in the preparation of evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials, such as websites, databases, newsletters, and web-enabled platforms; creating presentations and other communication materials, which involve drafting, formatting, editing, and data visualization; attending relevant UN events to document proceedings and prepare briefing materials; supporting evaluation teams in the collection, organization, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; preparing background materials for meetings, events, and outreach efforts; and drafting minutes of meetings while ensuring timely follow-up on action items. This diverse set of responsibilities will enable interns to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process within the UN context.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the United Nations Headquarters Internship Programme. Candidates should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level). Alternatively, applicants who have already graduated with a university degree are also eligible. Preferred fields of study include social sciences, economics, or public administration, particularly with coursework related to evaluation or applied research methodologies. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the UN system and sustainable development, as well as possess skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Effective communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities, are also desirable, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program, with a focus on social sciences, economics, or public administration. Coursework in evaluation methodologies or related applied research is highly preferred. Candidates pursuing studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate levels should be working towards a degree in relevant fields. This educational foundation is essential for interns to effectively contribute to the evaluation processes and projects undertaken by the SWEO.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates are expected to have a demonstrable interest in the UN system and sustainable development. Experience in data collection and analysis, whether qualitative or quantitative, is advantageous. Familiarity with communication tools and platforms, as well as any previous involvement in evaluation or research projects, will be beneficial for applicants. Interns should be prepared to work collaboratively in a team environment and demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application. Effective communication skills in both written and spoken forms are essential for success in this role, as interns will be expected to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to various communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. Therefore, candidates should be prepared to cover their own expenses related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living costs. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable for all candidates.