Policy and Research Intern:Policy and Research Intern: In-depth Research and Data Analysis for Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations

Internship Programme & Policy

Overview

Assist in researching and drafting documents and policies for the United Nations Mine Action Service.

You have:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme or a final academic year of a first university degree programme.
• Proficient in standard word processing and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or similar.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.
• Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
• Ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Contract

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

Work Location

Flexible (Hybrid or in-person)

Expected duration

6 Months. Desired start date is 24 April 2026, or sooner.

Duties and Responsibilities

The internship is UNPAID and full-time. The duration of the internship is for six (6) months. It should be noted that full-time internship working hours are 35 hours per week. The internship will be undertaken in a hybrid working arrangement at the UN Premise, New York, United States. Two positions are available for this internship opportunity. These internship positions are located in the Policy, Advocacy, Donor Relations and Outreach Section of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms. As a specialized Service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official. For more information on UNMAS please visit www.unmas.org. The two internship positions will be undertaken during two different periods: from April 2026 to October 2026 and from October 2026 to April 2027. The intern will support the Policy Team and duties may include, but are not limited to: 1. Assist in researching, drafting, and preparing documents and policies; 2. Conduct background research and provide support to concept papers on mine action policy; issues, relevant conventions, and researching States compliance with mine action relevant treaties; 3. Identify, review and monitor key documents by UN legislative bodies; 4. Assist in researching and elaborating draft strategies and policies; 5. Provide support to the planning and organization of events; 6. Assist in outreach to UNMAS programmes to gather, synthesize and analyze data/information; 7. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

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 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. Applicants should be proficient in standard word processing and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint or similar; be proficient in standard office automation equipment (scanner, printer, etc.). Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter Have 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.

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

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems cannot be engaged as an intern. Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged as an intern. In your Motivational Statement, please indicate when you would like to start your internship. Please note that the start and end dates are flexible. A complete online application is required. reviewed. The Motivational Statement must also include: • Title of degree you are currently pursuing. • Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/have graduated from the programme?) • Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship • Explain 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.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org