Political Affairs Intern / Research Analyst

Political Affairs Intern / Research Analyst

United Nations Secretariat

April 27, 2025May 11, 2025New YorkUnited States
United Nations Secretariat About
United Nations Secretariat is the executive arm and one of the major organs of the United Nations. It has an keyrole in agenda setting, decision making and decision implementaion. The Secretary-General is the head of the secretariat.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is a principal organ of the United Nations, established in 1945, with a mission to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights. The organization operates globally, with a presence in multiple countries and a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global challenges. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity among its staff, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in its operations.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in political affairs and research analysis within the framework of the United Nations. The internship is expected to last for a duration of three to six months, with a flexible start date around May 19, 202
  • The intern will work closely with the DPO UNISFA team in the Eastern Africa Division, contributing to various projects and initiatives related to peace and security issues in Eastern Africa. The role is primarily in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York, but there is flexibility for remote work or part-time arrangements based on the intern's needs. The intern will be expected to engage in research, media monitoring, drafting documents, and assisting in the organization of meetings, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the UN's operations and the complexities of international relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include: conducting research on peace and security issues in Eastern Africa; monitoring media and analyzing current events relevant to the region; drafting thematic papers, background documents, and correspondence; attending conferences and meetings, taking detailed notes; assisting in the organization of meetings and events; supporting data collection and information management efforts; and contributing to project management tasks. These duties will provide the intern with hands-on experience in the workings of the UN and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication.

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 must be able to demonstrate their eligibility by providing proof of their academic status.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship's focus on political affairs, international relations, or a related field. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required during the application process, and applicants must indicate their degree title and graduation date in their motivational statement.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This may include research projects, academic writing, or involvement in related extracurricular activities that demonstrate a commitment to the field of political affairs and international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of an additional UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates should be prepared to cover their own expenses related to travel, accommodation, and living costs. The internship is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, but may be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote work based on the successful candidate's needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information or payments. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and applicants with prior internship experience within the UN Common System are ineligible for this position.
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