INTERN - HAO

Support OCHA in humanitarian and disaster-related activities and projects.

This opening expired 8 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNOCHA - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Open positions at UNOCHA
Logo of UNOCHA

Application deadline 8 months ago: Thursday 2 Oct 2025 at 03:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support OCHA in humanitarian and disaster-related activities and projects.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
  • Experience in scripting languages such as R and Python is desirable.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
  • Writing and communication skills and/or experience in administration is desirable.

Contract

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

Work Location

Geneva (in-person, remotely or hybrid)

Expected duration

20 Oct 25-19 Apr 26

Duties and Responsibilities

In general, the intern shall support OCHA in fulfilling mandated activities and projects in the respective area of assignment. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background and duties may include but are not limited to providing assistance with the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and other related issues and in various follow-up activities; researching, analyzing and presenting information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/ issues; assisting with the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.; assisting in the maintenance of reference/ resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; providing support with the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, work-shops, etc., and serving as note-taker to such events; maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area and/or country or region concerned and; performs other tasks requested by supervisor, as appropriate. In addition to the general responsibilities outlined above, the intern shall be given specific tasks related to the Strategic Prioritization & Practices Branch (SPPB) . The intern (s), under the general guidance of a primary supervisor, shall be assigned to one of the section or unit within the Strategic Prioritization & Practices Branch; the Humanitarian Programme Cycle Section (HPCS), the Approaches and Practices Section (APS) or to the Office of the Chief (OC) of SPPB. This internship shall be based in Geneva (Switzerland), with different working modalities, either in-person, remotely or hybrid. The internship is being offered for a maximum period of six (6) months.

Qualifications/special skills

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);* or - Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)* *preferably in information science, information systems, social science or related field (Political Science / International Affairs, etc.) 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 PHD Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? if yes, please indicate which one. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate or proof of university enrollment at a later stage, if selected. Experience in scripting languages such as R and Python is desirable. Writing and communication skills and/or experience in administration is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

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 time when you had to research a complex topic? The interviewer wants to understand your research skills and methods. Discuss the topic, approach, sources, and what you learned.
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects? This evaluates your time management and prioritization skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with data analysis tools or programming. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of a challenging written document you have produced. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep abreast of current humanitarian affairs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you contributed to a team project effectively? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What would you do if a team member had a different opinion on a project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in the humanitarian sector? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org