Document Accessibility Internship (May 2024)

About United Nations

The United Nations stands as a global sentinel for cooperation, championing diplomacy over conflict and unity over division. Committed to fostering peace, development, and human rights, it transcends borders to address the world's most pressing challenges, epitomizing the collective aspirations of humanity toward a harmonious and just world.

Your role

Expected duration: 2 months

Org. Setting and Reporting:

The Secretary-General UN Disability Inclusion Strategy launched in June 2019 seeks to create a basis for lasting and transformative change on disability inclusion across the work of the UN system. The Strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that the UN system is fit for purpose to promote disability inclusion in its programs and operations across the three pillars – human rights, peace and development, and security. It is applicable at both headquarters and country levels.  DGACM supports the UN’s efforts for inclusion and greater participation of persons with disabilities, including through digitally accessible documentation and by applying the principles of universal design. 

This internship position is located at Headquarters in the Department for General Assembly and Conference Services (DGACM), reporting to the Office of the Director in the Documentation Division.  The intern will be responsible for assisting with tasks in support of improving the accessibility of documents and other digital resources. The internship will take place over May and June 2024.   

The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of the assigned supervisor. This internship can be discharged in person or remotely.  

Responsibilities:

During the period of the internship, the intern will develop a deep understanding of document production processes and will support the efforts of the Department to improve the accessibility of documents and other digital resources.  

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with various tasks in support of improving the accessibility of documents and other digital resources; 
• Using screen readers and other tools to test the accessibility of documents and other digital content; 
• Evaluating and remediating materials to ensure they are fully accessible to users of assistive technologies; 
• Developing and maintaining best practices, guidelines, and training materials for digitally accessible documents and other digital resources; 
• Performing other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Training & development

The United Nations internship program offers comprehensive training opportunities to aspiring professionals. With a focus on cultivating skills and knowledge across various fields, interns gain valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the organization's work. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, the program equips interns with the necessary tools to thrive in their careers and contribute to the UN's global mission.

Salary & 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.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Health insurance
• Holidays and leave
• Retirement pension, etc.

Career progression

At the United Nations, interns gain practical experience through engaging in meaningful work across various fields, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and human rights. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the program equips interns with the skills and knowledge necessary for future career advancement within the organization and other organizations.

Work-life balance

The United Nations strongly recognizes that interns need time for personal and social activities outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis. They provide opportunities for interns to engage in meaningful work while ensuring they have time for personal growth and well-being.

Culture & vibe

At the United Nations, the culture and vibe are truly exceptional. From savoring a delightful cup of coffee to engaging with talented colleagues, it's a place that offers insightful experiences in a friendly environment. Embracing diversity, the workspace becomes a vibrant hub of varied perspectives, while maintaining high standards for sustained success.

About you

Qualifications/special skills:

Applicants at the time of the application meet one of the following requirements;

• (a) Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); (c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and must commence the internship within one year of graduation.  
• Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Program or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PH.D. Program.
• 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. Experience with document accessibility testing and/or remediation is desirable.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.
• 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 by 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. 
• Technological awareness - Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Work experience:

• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Program. Your training, education, advanced course work, or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Experience with document accessibility testing and/or remediation is desirable.  

Language:

• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are required. A working knowledge of a second language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en
• youtube.com/unitednations