This internship is located in the Peacekeeping Evaluation Section of the Inspection and Evaluation Division (IED), Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), under the supervision of the Chief of Section. The internship is available for a duration of two months with the possibility of extension, depending on the needs of the office. OIOS-IED conducts independent evaluations on behalf of the Secretary-General and Member States. OIOS-IED’s objective is: “To strengthen accountability, learning, efficiency, effectiveness, and impact in the implementation of programmes and the relevance of administrative procedures and to assess whether the activities correspond to the mandates.” More information on OIOS and IED is available at: https://oios.un.org/
The Peacekeeping Evaluation Section of the OIOS-IED is seeking graduate students who wish to gain professional experience in an international organization to supplement their studies. The internship provides practical educational experience working in a multicultural and intergovernmental organization. Under the supervision of the Chief of Section, the intern is assigned projects and tasks that are relevant to their educational background and interests and provides the opportunity to apply and further develop their theoretical knowledge.
Interns will be expected to work on one or more of the following peacekeeping evaluation projects:
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of human rights monitoring, reporting and follow-up in the United Nations peacekeeping operations;
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of UNMISS civilian components in protecting civilians; and
- Triennial review of implementation of recommendations contained in the OIOS evaluation of the Enforcement and Remedial Assistance Efforts for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by the United Nations and Related Personnel in Peacekeeping Operations
Within these projects, interns will:
- Undertake research and analysis on various issues as required by the Chief of Section and Evaluation Team Leader; conduct quantitative or qualitative data analysis as appropriate; prepare presentations of analytical outputs;
- Assist with administrative and logistical aspects associated with planning and conducting the evaluation(s);
- Support/assist the Chief of Section in other Divisional matters, as required; and
- Perform other duties, as required.
If accepted, interns will be expected to embody the following competencies:
Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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; 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.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients "and seeks to see things from the 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.
To qualify for an internship through the United Nations New York Headquarters Internship Programme, 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); or (c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation;
- Be proficient in standard software applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and preferably in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical analysis software as well;
- Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of its Charter; and
- 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 programme. Demonstrated exposure, either through work or studies, to skills-building experience and coursework related to OIOS-IED's work -- that is, international affairs, qualitative and quantitative research, and/or organizational analysis -- are highly desirable.
Also desirable are an interest in and academic or professional exposure to one or more of the general areas covered by the Section’s evaluation topics. Several of the past evaluation activities by the Section are as follows (for a detailed list please visit https://oios.un.org/page?slug=evaluation-report) :
- Triennial review of implementation of recommendations contained in the OIOS evaluation report on the implementation and results of protection of civilians mandates in United Nations peacekeeping operations;
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations in deterring and confronting armed elements in the DRC, Mali and the Central African Republic; and
- Evaluation of DPKO/DFS Planning during the Force Generation Process and Related Engagement with the Security Council and Troop-Contributing Countries.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Potential candidates will be contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration.
The internship is for Spring/Summer/Fall 2018, with a minimum duration of 2 months and can be extended up to 6 months.
The internship is unpaid and based in New York City. Interns are expected to work on a full-time basis. Any flexible working arrangements have to be explicitly agreed upon, and interns will be expected to work the equivalent of a minimum of at least two months.
A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The cover letter must include:
- Title of degree you are currently pursuing;
- Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/graduated from the programme);
- IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
- Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship; and
- Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.
Children and siblings of UN staff members are not eligible for participation in the UN internship programme.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.