Public Information Intern

Job Description

Work Location: New York

Expected duration: Up to six months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources.

To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.

For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/.

This internship opportunity is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS), in the Strategic Communications Unit, within UNDSS. The role of the Strategic Communications Unit is to work on diverse communications initiatives to promote the activities of UNDSS and the work of security at large. SPS contributes to UNDSS’ efforts to enable the implementation of the United Nations mandate while ensuring safety and security of United Nations personnel.

The duration of the internship is for a period of three (3) to six (6) months from February to July, depending on the needs of the Department. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days (35 hours) per week under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned.

This internship is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours or more). It may be adjusted to part-time (less than 34 hours) upon request of the successful candidate. The internship can be adapted to accommodate hybrid arrangements (20 hours per week), on an exceptional basis.

Within assigned authority, the intern is expected to undertake the following duties:

• Assist with reporting, drafting and editing of content for print, web, multimedia, events and publications;
• Assist with information and knowledge management;
• Proofread documents, reviewing style, grammar and consistency;
• Create communication products (flyers, newsletters, graphics, videos, podcasts, multimedia materials) using Adobe suite;
• Assist with updates to the Department’s website;
• Assist in organizing special events and meetings;
• Fulfill other duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
• (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above).

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include the following:

• Title of degree you are currently pursuing;
• Graduation Date (When will you be/have graduating/graduated from the programme);
• IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
• Top three areas of interest;
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship;
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme;

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

Due to the high volume of applications received, we can ONLY contact successful candidates.

Additionally, all interns must adhere to the following:

• A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. An applicant who bears a relationship to a staff member or any other family relationship may be engaged as an intern, provided he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member. For purposes of this instruction, “child” means (i) the child of a staff member. (ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of a child of a staff member or a staff member’s spouse (son- or daughter-in-law). “Sibling” includes the child of both or either parent of a staff member and the child.
• Observe of all applicable rules, regulations, instructions, procedures, and directives of the Organization notwithstanding their status as described in section 4 of the UN Internship Programme Administrative Instructions ST/AI/2000/9 & ST/AI/2005/11.
• Provide the receiving departments/offices with a copy of all materials prepared by them during the internship. The UN shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights, and trademarks, regarding material which bears a direct relation to or is made in consequence of, the services provided under the internship. At the request of the UN, the interns shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to the UN in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law.
• Respect the impartiality and independence required of the UN and of the receiving department/office and shall not seek or accept instructions regarding the services performed under the internship agreement from any Government or from any authority external to the UN.
• Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the receiving department/office, they may not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or any other external source any information which has become known to them by reason of their association with the UN or the receiving department/office, that they know or ought to have known has not been made public. They may not use any such information without the written authorization of the appropriate official, and such information may never be used for personal gain. These obligations also apply after the end of the internship with the UN; and refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the UN or on the receiving department/office and will not engage in any activity which is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the UN.
• Full provisions related to the conditions and terms of the United Nations Internship Programme can be accessed on the following link: https://undocs.org/ST/AI/2020/1.

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 must be computer literate in standard software applications (e.g., MS Office 365) and Adobe Suite. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

Applicants must speak and write clearly and effectively while tailoring language, tone, style and format to match the intended audience. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

Applicants must listen to others, correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately while demonstrating openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

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; 12 Jan 2026