A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:
• Title of degree you are currently pursuing
• Expected graduation date
• List of ICT skills and programmes that you are proficient in
• List of top two areas/offices of interest within the Department of Political Affairs (DPA)
• Explain why you are the best candidate
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, ICT skills and include three references.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) internships are for a period of two months with the opportunity to extend up to six months, depending on the needs and requirements of the Department. The position will be located in one of the non-regional offices of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA).
The internship does not carry any payment or retribution expectation. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned.
When filling out your online application, clearly note in your Cover Note, on which of the following areas you are interested in serving, by indicating in order of preference, your first choice and your second choice:
1. Electoral Assistance
2. Security Council Affairs
3. Division for Palestinian Rights
4. Decolonization
5. Policy and Mediation
6. Counter Terrorism
7. Prevention of Genocide
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background; the office to which the intern is assigned to; the nature of specific projects and the internship duration. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Assistance in drafting and preparing official documents
• Attending and summarizing conference and meetings
• Assistance and logistics during conferences and meetings
• Assistance with inter-active presentations
• Document, legal and internet research
• Media analysis and research
• Compiling statistics
• Evaluation of projects
• Preparation of briefing materials for managers and senior officials
• Speech writing
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; is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda
• Supports and acts in accordance with 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
Planning & Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• 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
Client Orientation:
• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’
• Seek to see things from the clients’ point of view
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
1. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
a. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level 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.
2. Be computer literate in standard software applications.
3. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
4. Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the Internship Programme.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat).
Potential candidates will be contacted by Hiring Manager directly for further consideration.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.