Intern - Political Affairs (political monitoring and analysis on Western Africa)

Work Location

In-person

Expected duration

3-6 months. Desired start date is 3 August 2026, or sooner.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duration of the internship is for three (3) months with a possibility of extension for six (6) months maximum, depending on the needs of the Division. This internship is UNPAID, in person and full-time (35 hours per week), at the United Nations premises (New York, USA). This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person.

The internship is located in the Western Africa Division (WAD) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Division, which covers Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, is tasked with monitoring and reporting on major developments in the countries under its purview, and recommending actions for addressing the related challenges, risks and threats. The Division also monitors and analysis trends in the Sahel region, in particular on the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS).

The Intern reports to a Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Within the delegated authority, the Intern will perform the following duties:

• Monitor and analyze key political and security developments in West Africa and the Sahel;
• Based on situation reports, press clippings, and media reports, provide a daily news feed on West Africa and the Sahel for the regional section;
• Monitor general issues and summarize key public and academic articles, correspondences relating to West Africa and the Sahel, with special focus on climate security and related work by ECOWAS;
• Prepare weekly reports on developments in the areas under the purview of WAD;
• Track progress in the implementation of the UNISS, particularly by UNOWAS and establish a repository of information and a database on the Sahel;
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials for senior UN officials;
• Participate in meetings and draft minutes/meeting summaries;
• Carry out individual research assignments;
• Perform any other duties as requested.

Qualifications/special skills

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) 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. Experience drafting analytical papers, meeting minutes and reports is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English and French are required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset. 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.

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.