Political Affairs Intern

Assist in political affairs documentation and research for UN meetings.

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

UNVMC - United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Tuesday 16 Sep 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in political affairs documentation and research for UN meetings.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent).
  • Pursuing a degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Management or Development, or a related field.
  • Good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
  • Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
  • Ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
  • Knowledge of Colombian social and political context.
  • Fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is required for the Internship.
  • Knowledge of an additional official UN 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

Bogota

Expected duration

6 months maximum

Duties and Responsibilities

The two Interns will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties: 1. Assist in the drafting of documents (agendas, summary notes, minutes, and others) in preparation for meetings with Member States and undertake other preparatory tasks. 2. Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and especially the ones of interest for the thematic mandates. 3. Collect data and other information gathered from diverse sources as requested by the supervisor. 4. Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government, and non-governmental organizations around the Peace Agreement. 5. Assist with logistics during meetings, ensuring that conference services are fully in place, interactive presentations are well conducted, and meeting platforms are fully functional. 6. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an Internship with the United Nations Internship Program, applicants at the time of application must meet the following requirements: • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). • Interested candidates must be pursuing their degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Management or Development, or a related field to this Internship Job Opening. • Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. • Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. • 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. We are open to a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds. SPECIAL NOTE Applicants who are children or siblings of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an Internship at the United Nations. An appointment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister, including step-parents, step-children, and step-siblings of a staff member. Applicants to the UN Internship Programs are not required to have professional work experience. However, knowledge of Colombian social and political context to this Internship that you are applying for is required, and training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your Internship. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Management or Development, or a related field. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one, attach proof to the application, and please explain how you meet this requirement using examples. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. The United Nations does not financially remunerate Interns. Candidates for the UN Internship Programs are required to cover the cost of travel, visas, accommodation, health insurance and other living expenses for the duration of the internship. Will you be able to cover all the above-mentioned expenses? Please explain below.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is required for the Internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. NOTE: Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

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 gather and analyze information from multiple sources? This question assesses your ability to collect and synthesize information effectively. Provide a specific example detailing the sources you used and how you synthesized the information.
How do you ensure that you can communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds? This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and cultural awareness. Pro members can see the explanation.
What interests you about working with the United Nations and this specific internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to manage logistics for an event or meeting. What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What software applications are you proficient in, and how have you used them in your studies or previous work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org