Internship in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). DESA was established to provide substantive support and capacity-building for the intergovernmental processes and to assist member states in their efforts to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote social and economic development, and it engages with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. The UN has a vast workforce, with thousands of employees across multiple countries, working towards its goals of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in the workings of the United Nations, particularly within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The intern will be involved in various tasks that support the intergovernmental processes related to sustainable development. The position is full-time, requiring 35 hours of work per week, and is expected to last for four months, with the possibility of extension based on departmental needs. The intern will work under the supervision of a staff member in the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch (IISB) and will contribute to monitoring and analyzing the work of UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC. This role is crucial for those looking to gain insight into international relations and the functioning of global governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the work of the UN in the areas of economic and social development. Key duties will involve:

• Monitoring and analyzing the work of UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC, focusing on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and gender issues.
• Following and reporting on negotiations of UN draft resolutions, particularly in the Economic and Financial Committee of the General Assembly.
• Preparing reports and summaries of formal and informal UN meetings, including the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.
• Assisting in the preparation for significant upcoming events, such as the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 and the ECOSOC Youth Forum in 202
• Conducting research on critical issues on the agenda of ECOSOC for the years 2025-202
• Providing inputs for communications, including content for the ECOSOC website, newsletters, and press releases.
• Undertaking other tasks as required by the supervising staff member.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. They should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications. Importantly, no prior work experience is required, but candidates should articulate how their education, training, or skills will benefit the United Nations during their internship. This is an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable experience in a prestigious international organization.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program. Alternatively, they may have already completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. This educational background is essential as it ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the UN.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate how their academic background, training, or skills will be beneficial to the United Nations during their internship. This makes the position particularly suitable for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in an international setting.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional UN language is considered an asset. The working languages of the UN Secretariat are English and French, while the official languages include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Therefore, proficiency in any of these languages, particularly beyond English, can enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires in-person attendance in New York. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.