Sustainable Development Intern: Research and Implementation of projects related to Sustainable Development Goals

Organizational Context

The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) within the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) leads the coordination and implementation of the UN's sustainable development agenda. It serves as the global secretariat for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. This internship supports the DSDG in its role as secretariat for the Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) tasked with writing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to support the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in its critical role as the secretariat for the Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) preparing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). The intern will contribute to the fact-checking process of the report, ensuring accuracy and proper referencing. This involves meticulously verifying facts against original sources, compiling comprehensive reference lists, and potentially drafting short research inputs on specific sustainable development topics. The role also includes conducting statistical analysis to generate data, tables, graphs, and calculations as needed by the IGS. By performing these duties, the intern will directly contribute to the integrity and quality of a significant global report on sustainable development, supporting the UN's efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda.

Responsibilities

The intern will be responsible for preparing a detailed fact-checking matrix, documenting all facts, their corresponding page and paragraph numbers, and the original sources cited within the report, including text, boxes, figures, and tables. This matrix will be used to cross-reference draft text against original sources and verify the accuracy of the reference list. Additionally, the intern will compile all sources into endnotes and format a comprehensive bibliography according to the United Nations Editorial Manual. The role may also involve drafting short research inputs on specific sustainable development topics to support the Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) and conducting statistical analysis, including data compilation and the creation of draft tables, graphs, and calculations as required for the GSDR.

Work Experience

Experience with reference management tools (e.g., Endnote, Zotero, Mendeley), knowledge of citation styles, and familiarity with academic peer review and editorial processes are required. Proficiency in standard software applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is also necessary.

Skills

Fact-checking, Research, Data compilation, Statistical analysis, Reference management, Knowledge of citation styles, Familiarity with academic peer review and editorial processes, Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, Fluency in English.

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