Work Location

In person in New York, full time or part time modalities would be considered.

Expected duration

3-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Office Background The mission of the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) is to help Secretariat entities, including peace operations, departments and offices, succeed by providing rapid, effective, efficient and responsible support services. Its core services include supply chain management, operational human resources management, health-care management, support for uniformed capabilities, support to entities in special situations, information and communications technology (ICT) support, and UNHQ facility management. The Office of the Under-Secretary-General of Operational Support provides direct executive and management support to DOS leadership. Our work covers DOS strategy, performance, and analytics; as well as communication, coordination, and external relations. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work four to five days per week (20 to 35 hours), with supervision and support of a staff member. Interns are expected to come into the office at least three days a week, in keeping with UNHQ-NY hybrid working policies. The preferred start date of the Communications and Design internship is mid-January 2025 with an initial duration of three months, which may be extended to a maximum of six months depending on the needs of the office. Internship Duties • Design core identity products that illustrate corporate vision, mission and values • Design and prepare content/copy for corporate briefings, presentations, fact sheets, snapshots, articles and other internal and external communications materials • Support the development of websites, including layout, content, look and feel • Provide design support across a range of print and online products • Support the development and implementation of larger communication strategies and efforts This track resembles consulting-like work, and draws on conceptualization, PowerPoint, and graphic design / web design skills. The tentative start date of the Communications and Design internship is mid-January 2025, with an initial duration of 3 months. An extension may be possible depending on the needs of the office, to a maximum duration of 6 months total.

Qualifications/special skills

We are open to a broad range of educational backgrounds. Typically, our Communications and Design interns are pursuing studies in the following areas: Relevant coursework in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, Web Design, Graphic Design, Data Visualization, Marketing. Experience with graphic design applications such as InDesign, Adobe Pro, or other design applications is desirable. Please note that to qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent); and 2) Be computer literate in standard software applications, especially MS Excel; 3) Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and 4) 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. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.