Office of the Special Representative Intern null

About United Nations

The United Nations stands as a global sentinel for cooperation, championing diplomacy over conflict and unity over division. Committed to fostering peace, development, and human rights, it transcends borders to address the world's most pressing challenges, epitomizing the collective aspirations of humanity toward a harmonious and just world.

Your role

Duties and Responsibilities

Guided by General Assembly resolution 62/141, in which the Assembly established the mandate, the Special Representative is a global, independent advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. The SRSG acts as a bridge builder and a catalyst of actions in all regions, and across sectors and settings where violence against children may occur. She mobilizes action and political support to maintain momentum around this agenda and generate renewed concern at the harmful effects of violence on children; to promote behavioral and social change and to achieve effective progress. The mandate of the SRSG is anchored in human rights standards, promoting the universal ratification and effective implementation of core international conventions. The SRSG cooperates closely with human rights bodies and mechanisms, with UN funds and programs and specialized agencies, and with regional organizations. She also promotes cooperation with national institutions and civil society organizations, including children and young people. The SRSG makes use of mutually supportive strategies, including the contribution to strategic meetings at the international, regional, and national levels, the identification of good practices and experience across regions, sectors, and settings; the organization of field missions; and the promotion of thematic studies and reports.

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Intern will be required to perform the following:

• Support monitoring of relevant developments regarding efforts to end violence against children;
• Assist with routine administrative tasks related to the work of the Office of the SRSG-VAC;
• Assist in organizing conferences, events, and meetings;
• Assist with note-taking and writing summaries/action points of internal and external meetings;
• Assist members of the team with research and other related tasks;
• Assist regional focal points in research at national, sub-regional, and regional levels, updating country profiles and preparing country visits in the affiliated region.
• Assist the team members in strengthening child participation in the work of the Office, including in preparing and translating child-friendly documents, collecting and documenting child and youth-led initiatives to eliminate all forms of violence at local, national, sub-regional, and regional levels, and helping grow the network of organizations encouraging children’s participation in vulnerable settings;
• Accompany team members to online and in-person meetings with delegates from Permanent Missions to meetings with other Secretariat offices and to sessions of the Security Council, General Assembly, and other multilateral meetings;
• Assist with the preparation of the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Mandate and with the preparation of public information (such as press releases, social media material, presentations, and documents); and
• Perform any other functions as requested by the supervisor.

Training & development

The United Nations internship program provides aspiring professionals with comprehensive training, cultivating skills and knowledge across diverse fields. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, interns gain valuable experience to contribute effectively to the UN's global mission.

Benefits

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Health insurance.
• Holidays and leave.
• Retirement pension.
• Travel and shipping expenses, etc.

Career progression

The United Nations encourages exploring where you'll thrive within the team, offering global and flexible opportunities to develop professional interests worldwide as your career advances, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling journey.

Work-life balance

The United Nations strongly recognizes that interns need time for personal and social activities outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis. They provide opportunities for interns to engage in meaningful work while ensuring they have time for personal growth and well-being.

Terms of the internship program:

• The minimum duration of this internship is three months which can be extended up to a total period of six months.
• Interns are expected to work on a full-time or part-time basis in the entity that has selected them, under the supervision of a staff member at an appropriate level.
• The working hours will be discussed with your supervisor at the time of the interview. Internships may be undertaken based on flexible working arrangements if:
  • The receiving entity agrees in writing to accept an intern based on flexible working arrangements.
  • Interns agree that they are required to work the equivalent of a minimum of at least two months on a full-time basis or four months on a part-time basis to receive recognition of service as an intern.
• An internship under such arrangements must be completed within six months.
  • A record of attendance shall be maintained by the receiving entity to ensure that the intern meets this requirement.
  • Interns serving in one entity do not have a right to transfer to another entity.

Culture & vibe

At the United Nations, the culture and vibe are truly exceptional. From savoring a delightful cup of coffee to engaging with talented colleagues, it's a place that offers insightful experiences in a friendly environment. Embracing diversity, the workspace becomes a vibrant hub of varied perspectives, while maintaining high standards for sustained success.

About you

Qualifications/special skills

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

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (Master's or Ph.D.) in political science, international relations, law, Human Rights, social work, gender study, and behavioral science (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program in political science, international relations, law, human rights, social work, behavioral science (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated within the past two years. Have good academic performance as demonstrated by recent university/education records.

Applicants must also:

• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a 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, advanced course work, or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Showing a strong interest in children’s rights and child protection issues at global and regional levels.

Competencies Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately.
• Ask questions to clarify and exhibit 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 by a 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 clients. 

Languages:

• English and French one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship advertised, fluency in English and at least one of the other UN languages is required. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is a strong asset.

Additional Information:

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

Potential candidates will be contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration. A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

• Title of degree you are currently pursuing -Graduation date from your current program.
• List of IT skills and programs you are proficient in.
• List your top three areas of interest/department preferences.
• Explain why you are the best candidate.
• Explain your interest in the UN Internship Programme in your Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences (if any), skills, and three references.
• Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• careers.un.org/career-development -- Training and career progression
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en --- benefits
• youtube.com/unitednations