Intergovernmental Affairs Intern 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:

• The internship ranges between 6 weeks and 3 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to the needs of the Department. The internship is unpaid, full-time, and five days per week.

About the team and role:

The internship position is located in the General Assembly and ECOSOC Affairs Division (GAEAD) of the United Nations Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) in New York. GAEAD provides procedural and technical support to the General Assembly Plenary, four of its Main Committees (I-IV), and a number of its subsidiary bodies, dealing with the full spectrum of issues considered in and by the Assembly. GAEAD also services the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as a number of its subsidiary bodies. Interns' responsibilities will depend upon the nature of the project(s) undertaken, the background of the intern, and the duration of the internship.

Daily responsibilities might include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Assisting in the preparation of procedural notes for intergovernmental meetings, and other preparatory tasks;
• Attending and summarizing intergovernmental meetings;
• Assisting with logistics during meetings, including interactive presentations, virtual connections, and assisting with the list of speakers;
• Undertaking historical research and examination of procedural precedents;
• Undertaking media-based analysis and research;
• Compiling statistics, as well as design and tabulation of charts, tables, and graphs;
• Maintaining databases of meetings based on requests and actual conduct of meetings and assisting with the collection and analysis of data;
• Contributing to the drafting/preparation of notes, talking points, and other papers and briefing materials;
• Updating/redesigning websites and links;
• Performing other tasks as necessary.

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, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Experience:

• 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.

Competency:

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;
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

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;
• 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.

Client Orientation

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Skills:

• 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.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the internship position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

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