Intern

Job Description

Internship – Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), DESA

Work Location:
United Nations Headquarters, New York (in-person strongly preferred; remote/hybrid possible upon agreement)

Expected Duration:
2–6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

This internship is located in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Office of the Director, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and contribute to various activities of the Office. The internship is unpaid and full-time (35 hours/week), although adjustments for part-time or remote modalities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting in the preparation of substantive documentation and conducting research and analysis in multiple policy areas related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Supporting the substantive and administrative preparations for major international conferences and meetings, including:
• • The 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
  • The 80th Session of the General Assembly
  • Preparatory processes for the Second and Third Committees of the General Assembly
• Drafting and preparing official documents, attending and summarizing meetings and conferences, and assisting in speechwriting
• Analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data related to sustainable development and preparing related data visualizations
• Following and reporting on intergovernmental, interagency, and expert group meetings, and drafting summaries upon request
• Assisting in information and database management

Qualifications / Special Skills

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent); or
• On a case-by-case basis, be within a few years from graduation who:
• • Could not apply earlier
  • Are in an early stage of their careers
  • Are changing careers or
  • Have compelling family circumstances

Additional skills and qualifications:

• Computer literacy in standard software applications
• Demonstrated interest in issues related to sustainable development
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to synthesize documents
• Understanding of international or culturally diverse environments is desirable
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a plus
• No professional experience is required, but education or training should be relevant to the internship function

Languages

• Required: Fluency in English
• Desirable: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)

Additional Information – Intern Specific Text

• Internships are not financially remunerated by the United Nations
• Costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution
• Non-citizen interns must obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization where required
• Selected candidates should confirm visa arrangements before accepting the internship offer

Deadline : Aug 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.