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Work Location
This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours) but can be adjusted based on request by the successful candidate.
Expected duration
This internship is intended to start on 1 February 2027 with a maximum of six (6) months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. Setting and Reporting
The internship position is situated in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC)/Inter-organizational and Inter-instituitional Support Branch (now called ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch) and will report to the Senior Sustainable Development Officer. The ECOSOC workstream of the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch (ENSB), provides substantive support to the work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the UN General Assembly. ENSB also provides substantive support to the work of NGOs and Major Groups and other stakeholders (MGOs) and their engagement with ECOSOC. More information about the office can be found here: https: //ecosoc.un.org/en/about-us/office-intergovernmental-support-and-coordination-sustainabledevelopment. The internship is intended to be full time and UNPAID, however it may be adjusted to part-time based on the needs of the candidate. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned office, as well as the internship period.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Sustainable Development Officer, this internship position will primarily support the Branch's work with ECOSOC, but will also provide opportunities to support the Branch's work in supporting the NGOs and Major Groups and other stakeholders (MGOs) and their engagement with ECOSOC. The duties may include support and assistance on the ad hoc preparations during the 2027 session of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) but are not limited to the following:
- Assist in the support to the prepartions of the 2027 session of ECOSOC, including special meetings convened by the President of ECOSOC, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the HLPF.
- With guidance, assist in communicating with potential participants and speakers at ECOSOC meetings, including the ECOSOC Youth Forum.
- Undertake basic internet research to gather background information and materials for the compilation and preparation of talking points, statements, reports and studies, as needed.
- Assist during ECOSOC meetings, including the special meetings convened by the President, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the HLPF, by taking notes during meetings and reviewing relevant documentation.
- Assist during the informal consultations of ECOSOC in its review of the ECOSOC subsidiary bodies taking notes during meetings and assisting in the preparation and review of relevant documentation.
- Provide ad hoc assistance to the organization of panel discussions for ECOSOC meetings and special meetings of ECOSOC.
- Support communications on an adhoc basis by contributing relevant content to the ECOSOC website, newsletter, brochure, social media channels, press releases and news articles
- Contribute to the work of the Branch on stakeholder engagement and NGO participation in ECOSOC meetings.
- Assist in the review of applications for consultative status by ensuring that applications are compliant with the requirements of ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31.
- Perform other project-related support functions as assigned, consistent with the scope of the project,the individual's responsibilities and, where applicable, the learning objectives of the internship.
Qualifications/special skills
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation; 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 a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. 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. Strong research, report writing skills and Interest in sustainable development issues, stakeholder engagement and the work of the UN in advancing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are desirable.
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.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
