Office of the Special Representative to the Secretary 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

About the internship:

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.

Expected duration: Six months

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/or 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).
• Perform any other functions as requested by the supervisor.

Training & development

The United Nations internship program offers comprehensive training opportunities to aspiring professionals. With a focus on cultivating skills and knowledge across various fields, interns gain valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the organization's work. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, the program equips interns with the necessary tools to thrive in their careers and contribute to the UN's global mission.

Benefits

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.

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

• Health insurance
• Holidays and leave
• Retirement pension, etc.

Career progression

At the United Nations, interns gain practical experience through engaging in meaningful work across various fields, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and human rights. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the program equips interns with the skills and knowledge necessary for future career advancement within the organization and other organizations.

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.

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

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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Competencies: Communication, Teamwork, & Client Orientation

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.

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.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en
• youtube.com/unitednations