Internship: Public Information

Job Description

Job Opening ID: 270573
Job Network : -
Job Family : Public Information
Category and Level : Internship, I-1
Duty Station : NEW YORK
Department/Office : Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Date Posted : Jan 15, 2026
Deadline : Jan 29, 2026

Work Location: New York/Hybrid/Remote

Expected duration: 3-6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

The position is located in the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and is for a period of three (3) months, with an opportunity and preference for extension up to a total of six (6) months, depending on the needs of the department.

The intern will work under the supervision of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch (PADB). PADB is the coordinator and substantive editor of the Interagency Task Force on Financing for Development, whose annual Financing for Sustainable Development Report provides a concise overview of progress in implementing the Financing for Development outcomes while also providing recommendations for Member States’ consideration at the FfD Forum.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Depending on the situation of the successful candidates, the internship may also offer a Flexible Work Arrangement to be conducted fully remote, hybrid (in-person and remote), and/or part-time.

Responsibilities:

PADB conducts research and policy analysis across the financing for development action areas—including sustainable private finance, domestic public resources, international development cooperation, debt sustainability, and the international financial architecture—and coordinates the annual Financing for Sustainable Development Report, which provides a concise assessment of progress in implementing Financing for Development outcomes and offers policy recommendations for Member States. PADB also leads global technical guidance on Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).

The objective of this internship is to support the effective dissemination of PADB’s analytical work at global Financing for Development events, among stakeholders, and through targeted communication channels.

Under the supervision of a Staff Member of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch (PADB) at the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) of UNDESA, the Intern will support research, analysis, and knowledge management activities across the financing for development action areas—including domestic public resources, private finance, international development cooperation, and debt sustainability, as well as on Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the development and execution of a comprehensive communication strategy for disseminating analytical work;
• Prepare, manage, and disseminate content related to PADB and INFFs for social media platforms, newsletters, targeted emails, event materials, and other communication channels;
• Assistance in the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development;
• Conduct research and prepare background papers on financing for sustainable development issues, including issues related to INFF implementation;
• Develop concept notes about the events, workshops, and seminars managed by the office;
• Participate in planning and coordinating global FFD events, ensuring visibility of INFF content;
• Engage with stakeholders through various channels;
• Track and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies and suggest improvements where necessary;
• Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in digital marketing and social media to ensure maximum effectiveness of communication strategies;
• Support in any other communication-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor;
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with the established policies and procedures.

Competencies

The United Nations Core Competencies include:

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from the clients’ point of view;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

The intern is expected to:

• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following condition must be met:

• Applicants to the programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Study in the fields of communications or journalism is desirable.

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme.

Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desirable. Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable. Study in the fields of communications or journalism is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

DEADLINE: January 29, 2026

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.