Intern - Policy, Research, and Advocacy

Work Location

In person in New York, full-time will be preferred but part-time modality would be considered.

Expected duration

Expected duration: 6 months. Desired start date: October 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA) supports the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the leadership of United Nations offices, departments, funds and programmes, along with other Implementing Partners, to strengthen the response to sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, development and human rights sectors.

Within the delegated authority the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties:

• Conduct research on issues related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse including data collection and analysis.
• Support in implementing advocacy, internal and external communications strategies and campaigns, including through the use of web-based tools.
• Provide general office support services; drafting and/or processing a variety of correspondence and other communications.
• Assist in preparing, updating and maintaining a variety of presentations and other communications and information materials.
• May support legal and/or policy research, including comparative analysis and drafting related to UN accountability frameworks and policy documents on sexual exploitation and abuse, in accordance with international, criminal, human rights, and administrative law.
• Undertake other responsibilities, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

(1) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (2) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). 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.

Skills: Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. In addition, candidates should 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship.

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.