Internships

Organization Description

UNOSD serves as a technical arm of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) located in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The office was established in 2011 under the agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Korea. UNOSD contributes to the building, exchanging and facilitating the use of knowledge in support of a faster and broader transition towards sustainable societies. UNOSD specializes in mapping, assessing and improving the exchange of knowledge resources, providing guidelines to the UN Member States and the broader policy communities on sharing and applying such resources. The Office also undertakes research and capacity development in key areas of sustainability transition.

• Knowledge Sharing: Through its portal, UNOSD eases access to the vast and sometimes overwhelming knowledge on sustainable development. It also facilitates connections between researchers and practitioners, notably for national and local policymaking and programming;
• Capacity Development: The first two components provide training material and events, as well as implementation toolkit and support for strengthening the capacity of developing countries in advancing SDGs;
• Research and Policy Analysis: Assessing gaps in, and promoting solutions for the implementation of critical sustainable development issues; and
• Partnerships: Nurturing cooperation towards efficient and effective recognition and sharing of resources, including expertise, capital, and knowledge from all stakeholders.

Eligibility

Internships with UNOSD offer outstanding students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the work of the United Nations while making a significant contribution to UNOSD activities and mandate. To qualify for the Internship Programme of UNOSD, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) at the time of application and during the period of internship;
• Applicants be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
• Applicants have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one-year period of graduation.

Besides, the following competencies will be sought by UNOSD when selecting internship candidates:

• Experience: No prior professional experience is required, although any experience of relevance to the work of UNOSD will be an advantage;
• Working skills: Be result-oriented, with the ability to meet deadlines, and to work both autonomously and in a team. This includes good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals;
• Interests: The applicant should, however, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of UNOSD and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter;
• Communication: Good communication skills, including the ability to draft documents in a clear and concise manner;
• Languages: Good oral and written command of English is essential. Knowledge of any other of the UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian), or Korean, would be a significant asset.

Terms of Internship Programme

The UNOSD internships have a duration of approximately 3.5 months and can be renewed for up to six months in exceptional cases. Internships are normally on a full-time basis, from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to  5:00pm. Work is performed under the supervision of an assigned staff member, in the premises of UNOSD.

The office is located: #205, Libertas Hall A, Yonsei University International Campus, 85 Songdo Gwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea.

** Interns are not remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibilities of the interns of their sponsoring institution. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of an intern or the costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship (before starting their assignment, interns will need to prove that they have valid medical insurance coverage and submit a medical certificate of good health).

** A certificate of completion is issued to a student at the end of a satisfactory internship period.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interns support UNOSD staff and consultants for one or several of the following tasks, according to their academic qualifications, experience, and interests:

• Conduct documentary research, data recording and editing, policy analysis, surveys, and synthesis;
• Draft and/or translate complex documents such as official statements, research analysis, reports, meeting minutes, presentations, and others;
• Provide administrative and logistical support for forums, conferences, and workshops organized by the office;
• Maintain platforms of dissemination of UNOSD activities, news, and research through social media; and
• Any other duties assigned.

Internship Period

**ALL applicants should apply via UN Inspira (https://inspira.un.org/). The Job Opening for the internship will be posted on Inspira.

More Information

In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship. For all inquiries related to the internship, please contact unosd@un.org