Flexible: Internship is designed to be in-person and full-time.
Can be adjusted to part-time or hybrid based on request by the successful candidate.
Expected Duration
4–6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat, part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Assist in capacity building project activities on sustainable forest management, forest landscape restoration, and forest financing.
Support member states in advancing the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030.
Conduct research and background studies related to forests and sustainable management.
Assist in organizing international events and capacity development activities.
Draft background information, concept notes, and TORs for workshops, side events, and webinars.
Follow up with international and national consultants for timely delivery of reports and deliverables.
Provide general office support including processing correspondence, maintaining files, and organizing meetings.
Internship Conditions:
Minimum period of four months with opportunity for extension up to six months.
Expected start date: 1st October 2025.
Internship is unpaid and full-time (35 hours/week) but can be part-time (<34 hours/week).
Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York.
Hybrid or remote work may be considered upon request.
Internship available for one candidate.
Qualifications/Special Skills
Enrolled in or completed a graduate program (Master’s or higher), or in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in forestry, natural resources management, environmental management, or related fields.
Field of study must be closely related to the internship.
Good knowledge of standard software applications, including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
Ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat.
Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable.
Additional Information
Complete online application required, including Cover Note and Personal History Profile.
Cover Note should include:
Degree programme and graduation date
Explanation of suitability for the internship
Interest in the UN Internship Programme
List of software proficiency (e.g., Word, Outlook, Teams, MS Forms, Mailchimp, Canva, Photoshop, Premiere)
Include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references in Personal History Profile.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
UN staff relatives are ineligible for internships.
Interns must provide necessary hardware, software, and internet access.
Interns are not financially remunerated; costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or sponsoring institutions.
Interns not in the host country may require appropriate visa and work authorization.
United Nations Considerations
Highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity are paramount.
Candidates with violations of international human rights law, humanitarian law, or sexual misconduct may be disqualified.
Reasonable accommodation is provided for applicants with disabilities.
Interns must adhere to UN staff authority and assignment regulations.
Applications must be complete and accurate; reference checks will be conducted for shortlisted candidates.
Deadline : Sep 7, 2025
About the Organization
The Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. The Department works in three main interlinked areas: it compiles, generates and analyses a wide range of economic, social and environmental data and information on which Member States of the United Nations draw to review common problems and to take stock of policy options; it facilitates the negotiations of Member States in many intergovernmental bodies on joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and it advises interested Governments on the ways and means of translating policy frameworks developed in United Nations conferences and summits into programmes at the country level and, through technical assistance, helps build national capacities.
Start your application
Applications for this position must be completed on the recruiting organization's website.
