Intern - Ngo Liaison Unit, Political Affairs and Partnerships Section
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) hosts the NGO Liaison Unit within the Political Affairs and Partnerships Section. This unit serves as the primary point of contact for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with ECOSOC, facilitating their engagement with the UN in Geneva. The internship is based in Geneva, Switzerland, for a duration of six months.
Job Purpose
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to support the NGO Liaison Unit at UNOG in Geneva. The role involves facilitating the engagement of NGOs with the United Nations, contributing to the Unit's function as a key liaison point. The intern will assist in research, communication, and administrative tasks, gaining practical experience in international relations and NGO coordination. This position is crucial for enhancing the Unit's capacity to manage relationships with civil society actors and support the Office of the Director-General's engagement with NGOs, thereby contributing to the UN's broader mission.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include conducting research and preparing profiles for NGOs, taking meeting notes, and monitoring NGO participation in UN events, particularly the Human Rights Council. The intern will also support the creation of communication materials, such as newsletters and website updates, to facilitate civil society engagement. Additionally, the role involves researching relevant themes for the Office of the Director-General, assisting in the preparation of talking points and speeches, drafting correspondence, and contributing to annual reports. The intern will also perform administrative and substantive tasks as required by the Unit Chief.
Work Experience
No specific prior work experience is explicitly required for this internship. However, a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, a commitment to its ideals, and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are essential.
Skills
Research and drafting, note-taking, meeting participation and summarization, communication (newsletter and website content creation), administrative support, substantive task execution, computer literacy in standard software, cross-cultural communication, and fluency in English and French.