Intern – Strategic Planning

Job Description

Work Location

• UNHQ, New York

Expected Duration

• 2 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities
We seek motivated interns to support the work of the Strategic Planning and Communications Services (SPCS) in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

About UN DESA

• Rooted in the United Nations Charter and guided by the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Upholds the development pillar of the United Nations
• Brings the global community together to address pressing challenges
• Supports countries in translating global commitments into national actions in economic, social, and environmental areas
• Promotes inclusion, reduces inequalities, and eradicates poverty
• Provides data and analysis through publications, databases, and support for intergovernmental processes (e.g., UN General Assembly, ECOSOC)

About SPCS

• Provides strategic planning, communications services, and IT support to the Department

Internship Conditions

• Minimum duration: 2 months (with possibility of extension up to 6 months)
• Full-time (35 hours/week), unpaid
• Conducted under the supervision of a staff member in SPCS
• Preferably in-person at UNHQ in New York; remote or part-time arrangements may be considered exceptionally

Sample Duties (depending on background and period of assignment):

• Track, research, and analyze information from diverse sources on assigned topics
• Support preparation for high-level meetings, conferences, and retreats
• Draft background notes, summary briefs, and option papers
• Monitor and support tracking of decisions or task implementation
• Assist in drafting speeches and talking points
• Identify and analyze global trends in sustainable development
• Support preparation of analytical reports, talking points, and correspondence
• Help coordinate development of strategies, programs, and policies
• Assist in organizing meetings, events, talks, and visits
• Support ad hoc projects linked to SPCS’s strategic planning work
• Perform other assigned duties

Qualifications / Special Skills
Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (Master’s degree or equivalent)
• Enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

Desired Background and Skills:

• Studies or interests in international affairs, gender equality, sustainable development
• Strong attention to detail and interest in leadership support
• Experience in strategy/management consulting, policy, or executive support
• Skills in analytics, performance optimization, and data visualization
• Presentation design experience (e.g., Adobe InDesign or Illustrator)
• Digital and data skills, including familiarity with data-driven analysis and strategic foresight

Important Note:

• Applicants must indicate which eligibility criteria they meet and attach proof with the application
• Official documentation may be required later in the selection process

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required
• Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage

Internship-Specific Information

• Interns are not financially compensated by the UN
• Interns are responsible for their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses
• Non-resident interns may need to obtain appropriate visa and work authorization
• Selected candidates must confirm visa requirements before accepting the offer

Deadline : Aug 18, 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.