Political Affairs - Policy Planning Intern (Jun 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 - 6 months

About the team and role:

This internship is unpaid and is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premises in New York. This internship can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate to part-time (20 hours per week) and/or remote. A full-time internship is for an initial period of two months, and a part-time internship is for an initial four months. Internships may be extended up to a maximum of six months, depending on the needs of the Division. This internship is located in the Policy Planning Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS), Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).

The Policy, Evaluation, and Training Division (DPET) is mandated to develop and disseminate the policy and doctrine guiding the work of Peacekeeping Operations. In addition, the division has the responsibility to evaluate, at the request of the heads of the departments, how those policies are being applied, gather lessons learned and best practices, and use that information to guide the development, coordination, and delivery of standardized training, to complete the learning cycle.

DPET is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners. The Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) is part of the Policy Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations. It provides support to both DPO and DOS. The core function of PBPS is to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations through the exchange of good practices between missions, the development of guidance material that reflects lessons learned, and thematic policy support in selected areas. PBPS also leads several reform processes.

The intern will support the Policy Planning Team with the following tasks:

• Assistance in monitoring national and regional level political developments.
• Assistance in the review of various policies, papers, and other documents/materials.
• Assistance in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles, and other materials.
• Assistance in the development of strategic communications, presentations, and visualizations.
• Attending and taking notes at conferences and meetings.
• Assistance in preparing thematic discussions, brown bags, or events organized by the Policy Planning Team.
• Assistance in editing, and content creation for internal and external communications products, including digital, newsletters, learning products, or translation.
• Assistance in information management.
• Assistance in statistical analysis or data extraction.
• Assistance with project management development.

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, or have completed, 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 degree or equivalent). Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience.
• However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. 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 or research knowledge on peacekeeping missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and/or humanitarian settings is desirable.
• Foundational knowledge/background in program evaluations, project management, and/or designing and producing professional communications products is desirable.
• Knowledge/background in statistics for social sciences, and use of various software for data analysis and data visualization (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, EFM Verint, Power BI, SharePoint) or related fields is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
• Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

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