Political Affairs Intern

Job Description

Work Location: In Person

Expected Duration: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The duration of the internship is for six (6) months. This internship is UNPAID, in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premise working arrangement from New York, USA. This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Innovation project support in HQ and field: supporting brainstorming, project planning, implementation and evaluation;
• Research and analysis: conducting background research on innovation, conflict analysis, peacemaking and peacebuilding;
• Briefings and communications: assisting with briefing notes, presentations and talking points;
• Digital tools and methods: supporting social media analysis, digital dialogues, digital transformation and introductory generative-AI related work, in line with UN policies on responsible use;
• Events and coordination: attending meetings, summarizing discussions, and supporting logistics and partner coordination.

Qualifications/Special Skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

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 will have a strong interest in digital dialogues, generative AI, digital transformation and social media analysis as tools for advancing peace and security efforts. They should be eager to explore how innovation can support conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding, using emerging technologies to drive insights and foster more inclusive, tech-enabled approaches to global peace initiatives.

Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate initiative, reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.

Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern within United Nations Secretariat System cannot be engaged as an intern.

Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged as an intern.

A complete online application is required.

The Motivational Statement must include:

• Title of degree you are currently pursuing
• Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/have graduated from the programme?)
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
• Highlight your experience with data analysis, Generative AI, design thinking or prototyping tools
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
• Indicate when you would like to start your internship

In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

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.

NOTE: This job has no deadline and is open until filled.