Intergovernmental Affairs & Data Science Internship null

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: 6 months

The Intergovernmental Affairs intern will support the General Assembly Affairs Branch of the General Assembly and ECOSOC Affairs Division, which serves as the technical secretariat for several intergovernmental bodies at the United Nations Headquarters. In this context, the division seeks motivated interns to support its work. 

Responsibilities:

Interns report to full-time professional staff and will focus on the following work areas, as assigned;

• Area 1: Intergovernmental Affairs & Data Science
  • Research intergovernmental procedures and practices of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council and their subsidiary bodies;
  • Support the tracking of intergovernmental activity in assigned bodies and maintain the related data sets; and
  • Support the development of the procedure data model.
• Area 2: Intergovernmental services
  • Assist in the preparation of procedural scripts for meetings, and undertake other preparatory tasks;
  • Attend and summarize discussions held in meetings;
  • Assist with logistics during meetings, including interactive presentations and assisting with the list of speakers; and
  • Contribute to the preparation of talking points, and other papers and briefing materials.
• Area 3: Project management
  • Support the day-to-day management of internal databases, including user acceptance, quality assurance, and change management processes;
  • Support issue management-related processes and prepare related correspondence;
  • Assist in the formulation of project-related strategies and policies; and
  • Prepare meetings with different internal stakeholders.

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 must 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); or (c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above).
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• 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.
• Interest in the work of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council is desirable. Please explain your interest.
• Familiarity with law, jurisprudence, procedure, philosophy, or political science is desirable. Please explain your experience, training, education, coursework, or skills in this regard.
• Familiarity with data management, data modeling, data mining, or statistical analysis is desirable. Please explain your experience, training, education, coursework, or skills in this regard.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration. Ability to work under stress. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Interns must have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities where necessary; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understand the 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.

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