Political Affairs Intern: Policy Planning

Organizational Context

The United Nations Secretariat, Department of Peace Operations, specifically within the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) of the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET), seeks an intern. This role is based at UNHQ New York and supports the Policy Planning Team in developing and disseminating policy and doctrine for peacekeeping operations.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to provide practical experience in policy planning within the UN Department of Peace Operations. The intern will support the Policy Planning Team by assisting in monitoring political developments, reviewing policy documents, and preparing various reports and communications materials. This role contributes to the division's mandate of developing, evaluating, and disseminating policy and doctrine for peacekeeping operations, and gathering lessons learned to inform training and strategic cooperation with partners. The internship offers exposure to the core functions of improving peacekeeping efficiency and effectiveness through best practices and policy support.

Responsibilities

The intern will provide crucial support to the Policy Planning Team. Key duties include monitoring national and regional political developments, reviewing diverse policies, papers, and documents. The role involves assisting in the preparation of reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, and articles. Additionally, the intern will aid in developing strategic communications, presentations, and visualizations. Responsibilities extend to attending and documenting conferences and meetings, preparing for thematic discussions and events, and assisting with editing and content creation for internal and external communications. Information management, statistical analysis, data extraction, and project management development are also key areas of support.

Work Experience

No professional work experience is required for this internship. However, desirable experience includes research knowledge in peacekeeping missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or humanitarian settings. Foundational knowledge in program evaluations, project management, and producing professional communications products is also beneficial.

Skills

Monitoring political developments, policy review, report writing, strategic communications, presentation development, meeting documentation, content creation, information management, statistical analysis, data extraction, project management development, proficiency in English, knowledge of an additional UN language (desirable).

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