Internship in the Public Inquiries Unit and Group Programmes Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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 organization employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide and operates in various countries, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The United Nations is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to contribute to its mission.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive experience within the Public Inquiries Unit (PIU) and the Group Programmes Unit (GPU) of the Visitors Services Section, which is part of the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications. The primary goal of this internship is to engage and educate the public about the United Nations' work and ideals. Interns will be involved in various outreach activities, assisting with guided tours of the UN Headquarters, and supporting the organization of briefings and events. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of five days a week, and is expected to last between four to six months, with a preference for six months. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will have the opportunity to contribute to the overall operation of the Visitors Services Section, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the United Nations and its outreach efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities, which may include: assisting with the planning and organization of outreach activities aimed at educating the public about the UN's work; providing support for guided tours, briefings, and events; conducting research on UN thematic issues; offering general office support, including drafting correspondence, maintaining files and databases, and organizing meetings; assisting in drafting short articles and texts for fact sheets and other informational materials; responding to visitors' queries both in person and in writing; helping with the development, implementation, and analysis of surveys regarding visitors' experiences; and performing other duties as required by the supervisor. The specific tasks will depend on the intern's background and the needs of the assigned unit.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or (b) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, is essential. The ability to draft articles and texts for informational materials is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Additionally, applicants should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and respect differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a university degree program, with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Candidates pursuing or having completed a graduate degree are also eligible. The field of study should ideally relate to the functions of the internship, such as international relations, communications, public administration, or a similar discipline that aligns with the work of the United Nations.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that pertains to the responsibilities of the internship. This could include experience gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or other internships that demonstrate an understanding of the United Nations' mission and operations.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must provide all necessary hardware, software, and internet connection to perform their duties. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last between four to six months, with a preference for six months. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain a G-4 visa or other appropriate work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their background.