Political Affairs Intern - Data Analysis, Mapping and Visualization

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Position Title: Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern - Data Analysis, Mapping and Visualization
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration across its numerous agencies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Intern position is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience within the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The intern will engage in various tasks that support the UNOCC's mission of enhancing situational awareness and crisis management. This role involves working closely with the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room and other team members to analyze and visualize data, draft reports, and assist in the organization of meetings. The internship is structured to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is primarily in-person, although hybrid arrangements may be considered based on the intern's needs. The intern will gain valuable insights into the workings of the UN and contribute to critical decision-making processes at the highest levels of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the Watch Room in the analysis and visualization of both structured and unstructured data from UNOCC Data Repositories; drafting and formatting meeting minutes, outcome notes, briefings, country profiles, visual aids, and presentations for UN senior leadership; conducting open-source monitoring and research to inform decision-making; assisting in the organization of enhanced monitoring and crisis management meetings; and undertaking additional assignments as required by the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room. The intern will also be expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork, and client orientation throughout their assignments.

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, a background in political science, history, international relations, law, or a related field is desirable. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, with a strong emphasis on proficiency in MS Excel. Candidates with significant experience in data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, are preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Applicants must provide proof of their academic status, including an official certificate at a later stage of the application process. The focus of study should ideally align with fields relevant to the UN's work, such as political science, international relations, or law.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are encouraged to have relevant academic experience or internships that demonstrate their ability to analyze data and engage in research. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the UN's mission, and who possess a strong interest in political affairs and crisis management.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, which is another official UN language, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in additional UN languages can also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. The duration of the internship is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months or more are not eligible for this internship. Additionally, applicants who are related to current UN staff members are also ineligible. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.