Intern - Strategic Coordination and Management Support

Organizational Context

The United Nations Secretariat, specifically the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), seeks motivated interns to support the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU). This unit focuses on strategic analysis, priority-setting, forward planning, and resource alignment. Interns will contribute to key workstreams including strategic coordination, UN 2.0 capabilities, risk management, and management support, reporting to professional staff.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this internship is to provide support to the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) within the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU). Interns will contribute to critical functions such as strategic analysis, priority setting, forward planning, and ensuring the alignment of plans and resources across the UN System. They will engage in projects designed to make a lasting impact, gaining valuable experience in areas like senior decision-making support, UN 2.0 initiatives (data, digital, innovation), risk and crisis management, and management analytics. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn about the broader UN System's operations and contribute to its strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Interns will support the Secretary-General's strategic analysis, priority-setting, forward planning, and resource alignment within the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU). Responsibilities are divided across four key workstreams: 1) Strategic Coordination: Assist in preparing senior-level meetings, creating analytics and background papers, and tracking decision implementation. 2) UN 2.0 Capabilities: Contribute to planning and implementing the UN 2.0 Accelerator, manage UN 2.0 community and events, and assist in developing digital solutions. 3) Risk, Fragility, and Crisis Management: Monitor global trends, contribute to the Global Risk Report, and support analysis for UN integration in fragile settings. 4) Management Support: Provide analytics on system-wide needs and performance, support resource mobilization, assist with event logistics, and develop data visualizations for managers.

Work Experience

While prior internships or a year or two of full-time work experience are common, they are not formally required for the UN Internship Programme. Desired experience varies by workstream and may include strong organizational and coordination skills, analytical thinking, data analysis proficiency, familiarity with digital tools, interest in global risk assessment, crisis response, resource mobilization, event coordination, financial analysis, or budgeting.

Skills

Highly computer literate in standard software applications. Keen interest in the UN's work and commitment to its Charter. Ability to interact effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds. Strong analytical thinking, organizational, and coordination skills. Excellent written and verbal communication. Attention to detail. Ability to work under pressure. Interest in emerging technologies, digital transformation, global risk assessment, crisis response, resource mobilization, and data analytics.

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