Intern

Assist in researching and analyzing emerging social trends.

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UN DESA - Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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Application deadline 1 month ago: Wednesday 5 Aug 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in researching and analyzing emerging social trends.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
  • Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

Contract

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

Work Location

UNHQ

Expected duration

3-6 months This internship is designed to be full-time. Duties may be carried out in a hybrid manner (a combination of in-person presence and telecommuting from within the duty station at the UN Headquarters in New York). A part-time schedule may be considered on a very exceptional basis depending on the individual situation of the selected candidate. Telecommuting from outside the duty station may be considered on an exceptional basis. The internship will begin with an initial duration of 3 months, with the opportunity of an extension for up to a total of 6 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

This internship is in the Emerging Issues and Trends in Development Section, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The section identifies, monitors and analyzes emerging social trends and provides strategic recommendations to inform intergovernmental processes and UN action, with a focus on the eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequality, the promotion of social inclusion and the creation of decent work for all. The section’s main output is the World Social Report. The intern should have a strong research background, good analytical and drafting skills, a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations, a personal commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, and a demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. The intern will work under the supervision of and report to the Associate Social Affairs Officer in the Emerging Issues, Trends and Development Section, Global Dialogue on Social Development Branch. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: • Undertake literature reviews on relevant social development issues; • Draft analytical inputs and syntheses of relevant materials; • Assist with data collection, analysis and data visualization; • Assist in organizing meetings and events, including contributing to background documents, notes and summaries, as required; • Undertake other related tasks, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

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). 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. 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.

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.

Additional Information

This internship is in the Emerging Issues and Trends in Development Section, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The section identifies, monitors and analyzes emerging social trends and provides strategic recommendations to inform intergovernmental processes and UN action, with a focus on the eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequality, the promotion of social inclusion and the creation of decent work for all. The section’s main output is the World Social Report. The intern should have a strong research background, good analytical and drafting skills, a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations, a personal commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, and a demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. The intern will work under the supervision of and report to the Associate Social Affairs Officer in the Emerging Issues, Trends and Development Section, Global Dialogue on Social Development Branch.

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

Describe a research project you have undertaken in your studies. This assesses your research skills and ability to work independently. Detail the scope of the project, your methodology, and the outcomes.
How would you approach analyzing social trends for the World Social Report? This question checks your analytical skills and understanding of social issues. Pro members can see the explanation.
Provide an example of how you've worked with diverse groups or cultures in your previous experiences. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you understand by social inclusion and why is it important? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe your drafting experience and the types of documents you've produced? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you organize an event related to social development? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a time when you had to analyze data for a project or research. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What attracts you to the work of the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: careers.un.org