Economic Affairs Intern null

Your role

About this internship:

This position is located in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), in the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch (IISB). OISC, under DESA, provides substantive support to the work of the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

The internship is for four months, with an opportunity for extension, pending the needs of the Department. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in IISB, to which they are assigned.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Following inter-governmental meetings of ECOSOC and the General Assembly, other relevant meetings/briefings, on various economic and social issues, in particular the 2030 Agenda, and preparing summaries of their outcomes
• Following and reporting on Member States' negotiations on draft resolutions
• Assisting in the substantive and organizational preparations of the ECOSOC Coordination Segment, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, and the High-level Political Forum
• Supporting the organization of panel discussions, roundtables, special meetings, and briefings for the membership of ECOSOC
• Following the work of the ECOSOC functional commissions and expert bodies to identify key issues and trends and assisting in facilitating their engagement with the Council's work
• Undertaking research on trends and key issues for the consideration of ECOSOC
• Assisting in the Branch's work on interlinkages between peace and development, as well as on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti
• Providing inputs to statements, speeches, briefing materials, talking points and background notes
• Assisting in the Branch's work on communication (maintenance of ECOSOC and HLPF websites like social media, video production, media alert/press releases, and news articles)
• Providing support to the Branch’s work on the engagement of the regional commissions in the work of the ECOSOC as well as in supporting countries in special situations (Least Developed Countries, Land Locked, Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States)
• Undertaking other tasks as required

About you

Eligibility/Qualifications/Skills Required:

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

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent)
• Subject to review on a case-by-case basis, applicants within a few years from graduation who could not apply earlier and who are in an early stage of their careers;
  • as a first-time entry into the workforce;
  • are changing careers or due to compelling family circumstances.
• Applicants who have graduated (as defined in above), if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
• Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications.
• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme.

Languages:

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

Compensation & 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:

• Rental subsidy
• Dependency allowances
• Travel and shipping expenses
• Danger pay and rest and recuperation break
• Health insurance
• Holidays and leave
• Retirement pension

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.

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.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits
• careers.un.org/career-development
• youtube.com/@UN_Careers