Political Affairs Intern

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat, specifically the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), is dedicated to global peace and security. This internship supports DPPA's mandate by contributing to innovation in conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding efforts. The role sits within a dynamic team, offering exposure to international political affairs and emerging technologies.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this Political Affairs Internship is to support the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) in advancing global peace and security through innovation. The intern will contribute to conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding initiatives by leveraging emerging technologies and digital tools. This involves assisting with innovation project planning and implementation, conducting research and analysis on conflict dynamics and new approaches, and supporting communication efforts through briefing notes and presentations. The role also entails engaging with digital tools for social media analysis, digital dialogues, and generative AI applications, ensuring alignment with UN policies. By fostering tech-enabled approaches and providing coordination support for events and partner engagement, the intern will help drive insights and promote more inclusive strategies for peace initiatives within the UN Secretariat. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical international efforts.

Responsibilities

The intern will provide comprehensive support for innovation projects, encompassing brainstorming, project planning, implementation, and evaluation both at headquarters and in field operations. This includes conducting thorough background research and analysis on innovation, conflict dynamics, peacemaking, and peacebuilding strategies to inform departmental initiatives. The role involves significant contributions to communications by assisting in the preparation of briefing notes, presentations, and talking points for various stakeholders. Furthermore, the intern will support the application of digital tools and methods, specifically in social media analysis, facilitating digital dialogues, and contributing to digital transformation efforts, including introductory work with generative AI in adherence to UN policies. Event and coordination responsibilities include attending meetings, accurately summarizing discussions, and providing logistical and partner coordination support. Desirably, the intern will also apply basic automation skills, including Python and GitHub, to enhance data analysis and innovation workflows.

Work Experience

Professional work experience is not a mandatory requirement for this internship. However, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in digital dialogues, generative AI, digital transformation, and social media analysis as tools for peace and security. Previous engagement with innovation in conflict prevention or peacebuilding is desirable.

Skills

Digital tools: Social media analysis, digital dialogues, generative AI, digital transformation. Software: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams. Automation (desirable): Python, GitHub for data analysis and innovation workflows. Core competencies: Initiative, reasoning, critical thinking. Language: Fluency in English (written and spoken).

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