Intern

Assist with research and support duties in public institutions and digital government.

This opening expired 29 days ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UN DESA - Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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Application deadline 29 days ago: Monday 11 May 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist with research and support duties in public institutions and digital government.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
  • Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme.
  • Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is an asset.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

New York; 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

2-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Programme Management and Capacity Development Unit internship is for three months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the Division. For more information about the Division, please visit, https://publicadministration.desa.un. org/ The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Duties may include, but are not limited to: • Conducting research in the areas of public administration and institutions, public service delivery and innovation, sustainable development, and digital government. • Assisting during conferences and meetings. • Assisting in research, drafting and preparing analytical documents. • Assisting with information management and database population. This internship is designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours) but can be adjusted based on request by the successful candidate.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: • Applicants to the programme must at the time of application 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). • Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications. 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is an asset. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations 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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a research project you have been involved in? This question assesses your research abilities and experience. Detail your role, the project's purpose, and the outcome.
How do you manage your time when balancing multiple tasks? This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools do you use for data management and analysis? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a time you worked in a team to achieve a common goal? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your understanding of digital government initiatives? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach drafting analytical documents? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you want to intern with the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you anticipate in this internship role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 29 days ago - Source: careers.un.org