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 operates under the guidelines of the 2024 UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Policy and is responsible for conducting global evaluations on strategic issues related to the UN development system. SWEO aims to provide valuable insights for policy-making and operational decisions, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations. The office is involved in ongoing evaluations, such as the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, and is set to initiate new evaluations in 2025, focusing on the SDG transformation pathways and the United Nations Youth Strategy. The SWEO also plays a crucial role in generating evaluation evidence to promote knowledge sharing and learning within the UN system, including producing syntheses, summaries, and evaluation guidance materials. Further details can be found in the 2024 Annual Report and on the United Nations website.

Job Overview:
The internship at the System-Wide Evaluation Office is designed for graduate students seeking to gain professional experience within an international organization. This role provides a practical educational experience in an independent evaluation office, allowing interns to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced managers and will be assigned projects that align with their educational background and interests. This internship offers exposure to the workings of the United Nations Secretariat and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful evaluation projects. Interns will report to full-time professional staff and will engage in various tasks that support the office's mission of enhancing evaluation practices and knowledge sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: contributing to the preparation of documents and guidance materials through desk research and report writing; assisting evaluation teams in collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; preparing evaluation knowledge management products and communication materials such as newsletters and web-enabled platforms; creating presentations and other communication materials, including drafting, formatting, editing, and data visualization; coordinating the formulation of workplans and strategies; supporting outreach and engagement efforts by preparing for meetings and events; drafting minutes of meetings and ensuring timely follow-up; and assisting with the development of office systems as needed. These responsibilities will provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process and the workings of the United Nations.

Required Qualifications:
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 university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a university degree as defined in the previous categories. Preferred fields of study include social sciences, economics, or public administration, particularly with coursework in evaluation or related applied research methodologies. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, as well as a commitment to the work of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an educational background that aligns with the internship requirements. This includes being enrolled in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program in relevant fields such as social sciences, economics, or public administration. Coursework in evaluation and related applied research methodologies is highly desirable. For those pursuing studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate levels, equivalent qualifications will be considered.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should possess a strong interest in evaluation and the workings of international organizations. Any relevant experience in research, data analysis, or project management will be advantageous. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a team and produce quality results within deadlines.

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 United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last between 2 to 6 months and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory, and interns must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.