Internship with the United Nations Internship Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprised of 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, working collaboratively to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the United Nations is designed for students and recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in an international organization. Interns will have the opportunity to attend intergovernmental and UN inter-agency meetings, providing them with firsthand exposure to the workings of the UN. The role involves drafting official documents, conducting research on sustainable development, and providing logistical support during conferences. Interns are expected to contribute to the UN's mission by applying their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also gaining insights into the complexities of international diplomacy and cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the UN's operations. These include attending meetings in person and taking detailed notes, which are crucial for documenting discussions and decisions made during these sessions. Interns will also draft official documents such as background papers, analyses, and sections of reports, which are essential for informing stakeholders and guiding policy decisions. Conducting research on regional trends related to sustainable development is another key responsibility, as it helps the UN understand and address the unique challenges faced by different regions. Additionally, interns will provide logistical assistance during conferences and meetings, ensuring that events run smoothly. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors, allowing interns to engage in diverse aspects of UN work.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Importantly, no prior work experience is required, making this opportunity accessible to students and recent graduates. Candidates must demonstrate that their training, education, or skills will benefit the UN during their internship, and they are required to provide proof of their academic status with their application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or they should have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the UN's work. The internship is particularly suited for those pursuing degrees in fields related to international relations, public policy, sustainable development, or other relevant disciplines.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior work experience, making it an ideal opportunity for students and recent graduates looking to gain their first professional experience in an international setting. The focus is on academic qualifications and the potential to contribute to the UN's mission rather than on previous employment history.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship, as it 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 asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in multiple languages is highly valued in the UN environment, where communication across diverse cultures is essential.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, which means that all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the interns themselves or their sponsoring institutions. This aspect is crucial for candidates to consider before applying. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. The UN emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and fair.