Internship in Leadership Support Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat, established in 1945, is an international organization that aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among member states. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a mission to support global governance and humanitarian efforts. The organization employs thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The internship in the Leadership Support Section (LSS) of the United Nations is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international relations, specifically focusing on peace and security. The intern will work under the supervision of a Programme Officer and will be involved in various tasks that support the recruitment and appointment of senior leadership positions within UN Field Missions. This role is crucial for those interested in understanding the dynamics of leadership within the UN and the processes involved in sourcing and managing senior talent. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and can be conducted either in-person at the UN premises in New York, remotely, or in a hybrid format. The expected duration of the internship is between three to six months, with a desired start date of May 1, 2025, or sooner. This position is unpaid, and candidates should be prepared to cover their own expenses related to travel, accommodation, and living costs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting online research to update and maintain a database of potential candidates for senior leadership positions, creating new profiles, and performing due diligence checks using open sources. The intern will also assist in the clean-up of the database and review profiles for selection processes as needed. Additionally, the intern will prepare mission and country profiles, including background documentation and mapping of key stakeholders to support high-level recruitment processes. The role involves supporting outreach initiatives by preparing meeting documents and promotional materials, which may require basic graphic design skills using tools like Canva or Adobe products. The intern will monitor global leadership news within the UN and provide weekly reports, collect data on leadership trends, and assist in preparing internal progress and data reports using applications such as Excel and PowerPoint. Participation in webinars and information sessions at the UN, as well as providing support for other ongoing projects within the section, will also be part of the intern's responsibilities.

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 for the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations, particularly in the peace and security field, and a personal commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. Additionally, the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs is essential, as is proficiency in standard software applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Knowledge of data management software and graphic design tools is highly desired, along with the ability to draft news articles and social media posts.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to the internship, such as international relations, political science, peace studies, or a related discipline. The internship is open to students in their final year of undergraduate studies, as well as those in graduate programs (Master’s or PhD). Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or involvement in projects related to international relations, peace and security, or similar fields. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this 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 United Nations Secretariat emphasizes its commitment to gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply for this internship. It is important to note that the internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain a G-4 visa or other appropriate work authorization to undertake the internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for payment.