Economic Affairs Intern

Organizational Context

This internship is within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC). OISC provides crucial support to UN intergovernmental bodies like the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The role is based in New York and offers a four-month duration with potential extension.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this internship is to provide substantive support to the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch (IISB) within DESA. The intern will contribute to monitoring and analyzing the work of UN intergovernmental bodies, reporting on Member State negotiations, and preparing summaries of key developments in economic, social, and environmental fields. This role supports the preparations for significant ECOSOC events and contributes to research on sustainable development issues, aiming to enhance the branch's work on stakeholder engagement and communication efforts related to ECOSOC's agenda and the SDGs.

Responsibilities

The intern will monitor and analyze the work of UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC, focusing on sustainable development, climate change, education, and gender issues. Responsibilities include following and reporting on Member State negotiations on UN draft resolutions, particularly within the Economic and Financial Committee. The intern will also monitor high-level debates and UN meetings, preparing reports and summaries. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the substantive and organizational preparations for ECOSOC events like the Coordination Segment and Youth Forum, conducting research on ECOSOC's agenda, and supporting stakeholder engagement and NGO participation. The intern will also contribute to communication materials and assist senior officials with briefing notes and statements.

Work Experience

No prior working experience is required for this internship. The focus is on the applicant's training, education, advanced coursework, or skills that can benefit the United Nations. Strong research and report writing skills are desirable, as is an interest in sustainable development and the UN's work on SDGs.

Skills

Computer literacy in standard software applications, strong research skills, strong report writing skills, interest in sustainable development issues, interest in stakeholder engagement, interest in the work of the UN advancing SDGs, fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.

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