Internship at the United Nations Headquarters

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 countries around the world, with its headquarters located in New York City. The organization employs thousands of staff members and engages with numerous stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship at the United Nations Headquarters is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience in a dynamic environment focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Interns will work under the supervision of a UN staff member, engaging in various activities that support the implementation of internationally agreed development goals. The position is primarily in-person and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week for a total of 35 hours. However, there is flexibility for a hybrid or remote arrangement based on the successful candidate's request. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in intergovernmental conferences, capacity-building events, webinars, and online training sessions, contributing to research, analysis, and document drafting on various topics related to the SDGs. This role offers hands-on experience in organizing UN conferences and events, enhancing organizational and political skills while collaborating with diverse stakeholders from around the globe.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: drafting concept notes for events aimed at mobilizing stakeholders towards engagement on the SDGs; contributing to stakeholder engagement strategies and plans; compiling and summarizing inputs from online consultations; drafting reports and outreach materials; assisting in the organization of in-person and virtual events; preparing agendas and background materials; monitoring and managing live substantive exchanges; drafting public information materials; supporting outreach efforts, including social media; reviewing participant lists; and preparing documents for online posting. Additionally, interns will contribute to the review of SDG partnerships, support research for papers and reports related to the SDGs, and assist with general virtual office support tasks such as processing correspondence and maintaining online files. They will also participate in UN Headquarters events and provide support for website content updates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral, and possess good interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential. Interns should have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions. Additionally, candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications, which is crucial for performing various tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree and must commence the internship within one year of graduation. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary academic foundation to engage with the complex issues addressed by the United Nations.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should ideally have some exposure to international relations, development studies, or related fields. This could include academic projects, volunteer work, or previous internships that demonstrate an understanding of the UN's mission and operations. The internship is designed to be a learning opportunity, so a willingness to learn and adapt is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official UN language, is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish can enhance a candidate's profile, although they are not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days a week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The duration of the internship is not specified, but candidates should be prepared for a significant time commitment. The application process requires a completed online application, including a Cover Note and Personal History Profile. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.