Administration Intern (Start ASAP)

About United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN, and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

The UN in China seeks to consistently build upon its position as a key partner, most notably by creating and reinforcing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with national development priorities.

Your role

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is,

• To support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance, and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.
• The Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), a regional institute of ESCAP based in Beijing, China, is mandated to enhance technical cooperation among the members and associate members of ESCAP as well as other interested member States of the United Nations, through the exchange of information, sharing of knowledge and promotion of research and development in the areas of sustainable agricultural mechanization and technology for the attainment of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the region and its subregions. The minimum duration of an internship is two months and can be extended up to a total period of six months.

Responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Administrative support
• Assisting in official document preparation
• Assisting in social media outreach
• Assisting in partnership-building
• Providing support to meetings and conferences

Training & development

The UN internship is for 2-3 months. An internship at the UN could be the ideal start if you are considering a career in the Organization. It will give you exposure to high-profile conferences, political decision-making, or work on the ground, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the projects and mandates of the United Nations. You can apply for any internship around the world, regardless of nationality.

Benefits

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.

As an intern, you will:

• Enhance your educational experience through practical work assignments
• Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Organization’s goals, principles, and activities
• Work in an international environment, and network with international civil servants, career professionals, and senior management
• Provide the UN with assistance in your area of expertise

Career progression

The global and flexible nature of every UN position will allow you to develop your professional interests around the world, as your career progresses.

Will my internship lead to employment?

Your internship will not automatically lead to a job with the UN, but with the experience you have acquired during your time as an intern, you might be interested in applying for General Service or consultancy positions. If you want to apply to positions at the Professional and Higher or Field Service levels, the organization asks you to let at least six months pass after the end of your internship before you submit your application, and ensure that you fulfill not only the educational but also the work experience requirements that are outlined in each job opening.

Work-life balance

Work-life balance for interns in the United Nations may vary based on factors such as the specific internship program, department, and location. Interns may have some flexibility in their work arrangements which could include options for flexible hours, remote work, or accommodating personal commitments, such as classes or other activities.

Culture & vibe

Step into the United Nations, and you're stepping into a world full of diversity. Imagine a bustling community of some 36,000 individuals from every corner of the globe, each bringing their unique background, culture, and perspective to the table. Here, you'll find yourself seamlessly woven into multicultural teams, where ideas flow freely, and innovation knows no bounds.

About you

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme.
• Your training, education, advanced course work, or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for the internship program.

Note:

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.

How to apply

United Nations hiring process:

• Submission of job application
• Evaluation of application
• Assessment exercise
• Competency-based interview
• Selection notification and roster
• Reference checks

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/job-level
• china.un.org/en/about/about-the-un
• careers.un.org/work-force
• careers.un.org/how-to-apply
• youtube.com/unitednations