USA: Intern - Political Affairs

Aug 9, 2022 | UN Department of Peace Operations
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The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is dedicated to assisting the Member States and the Secretary-General in their efforts to maintain international peace and security. DPO provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates.

This position is located in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS), Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DEPT) in the Department of Peace Operations. The internship is UNPAID. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office or team to which they are assigned. The Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) includes teams working on: Policy Planning, Partnerships, Sustaining Peace / Transitions, Climate Security, Civil Affairs, Knowledge Management and Guidance, Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Child Protection, and Protection of Civilians.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of this internship will encompass many aspects of the Peacekeeping Policy and Best Practices Service's work. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assistance in conducting research on issues related to Peacekeeping Policy and Best Practices, areas of focus include: Policy Planning, Partnerships, Sustaining Peace / Transitions, Climate Security, Civil Affairs, Knowledge Management and Guidance, Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Child Protection, and Protection of Civilians.
  • Assistance in the review of various policies, papers and other documents/materials as they relate the to the teams within the Service;
  • Assistance in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles and other materials related to the work of the various teams within the Service;
  • Assistance in the development of strategic communications, presentations and visualizations and new communication tools (like podcasts);
  • Assistance in data collection, aggregation, integration, transformation, as required
  • Assistance in editing, content creation for (digital) learning products or translation
  • Attending and taking notes at conferences and meetings;
  • Assistance in servicing conferences and meetings;
  • Assistance in information management;
  • Assist in maintaining/ managing databases such as the Policy and Practice Database;
  • Assist in preparing quarterly newsletters on policy and guidance issues and quarterly newsletter for member states.
  • Assistance in data collection and information management;
  • Assist with project management development;

Competencies

Communication:

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
  • Is willing to learn from others;
  • Places team agenda before personal agenda;
  • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation:

  • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
  • Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
  • Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
  • Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
  • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects -Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

  • Applicants at the time of application 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); or,
    • (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent)
  • Focus of studies in international affairs, law, human rights, political science or a related field is desirable;
  • 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 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.

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This announcement is for the autumn/winter 2022/23 Internship Session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The internship is for a period three (3) months with an opportunity for extension up to six (6) months, pending the needs of PBPS/DPET. In your cover note, please indicate when you would like to start your internship. Please note that start and end dates are flexible.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

To apply:

A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. To complete an online application, please create and complete your Candidate Profile and a cover letter in the UN eRecruitment system (careers.un.org). Please ensure that you indicate your proficiency in the English language in your Candidate Profile. Please note that incomplete applications with not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must also include:

  • Title of degree you are currently pursuing.
  • Graduation Date (When will you be/are graduating/have graduated from the programme?)
  • List your top three areas of interest and please explain how your interests, skills and knowledge match the strategic support of the team
  • Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship, and how strong are your drafting skills
  • Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme In your online Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, formal and informal skills, and three references.