Sustainable Development Intern: Research and Implementation of projects related to Sustainable Development Goals
Organizational Context
The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) within the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) leads the coordination and implementation of the UN's sustainable development agenda. It serves as the global secretariat for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports the Independent Group of Scientists in producing the Global Sustainable Development Report.
Job Purpose
This internship supports the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in its role as the secretariat for the Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) tasked with writing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). The intern will contribute to the fact-checking process of this critical report, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data and information presented. This role is essential for the successful completion and credibility of the GSDR, which is a key output for Member States and the global community in advancing sustainable development. The intern will gain practical experience in research verification, data analysis, and report production within a major UN department.
Responsibilities
The intern will be responsible for preparing a comprehensive fact-checking matrix, meticulously documenting all facts, their sources, and page/paragraph references within the GSDR draft. This involves cross-referencing draft text against original sources to confirm accuracy and verify the reference list. Additionally, the intern will compile and format all sources into endnotes and a bibliography, adhering to the United Nations Editorial Manual. The role also includes drafting short research inputs on specific sustainable development topics as needed by the IGS and conducting statistical analysis to produce tables, graphs, and calculations to support the report's content.
Work Experience
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants must demonstrate experience with reference management tools (e.g., Endnote, Zotero, Mendeley), knowledge of citation styles, and familiarity with academic peer review and editorial processes. Proficiency in standard software applications like MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams is also necessary.
Skills
Fact-checking, Research, Data compilation, Statistical analysis, Reference management tools (Endnote, Zotero, Mendeley), Knowledge of citation styles, Academic peer review and editorial processes, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, Fluency in English.