Work Location

SWITZERLAND

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The internship is to take place in the NGO Liaison Unit, Political Affairs and Partnerships Section, Office of the Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva. The NGO Liaison Unit maintains liaison with non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) and facilitates their engagement with the United Nations in Geneva. It is the focal point for all matters relating to NGOs in the Office of the Director-General. The selected intern is expected to start on 12 January 2027, for a period of 6 months. All UNOG internships are unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week. This position is under the supervision of the head of the NGO Liaison Unit and the NGO Liaison Assistant. Responsibilities

Undertake research and draft / update NGOs profiles and other background in preparation for meetings with NGOs in Geneva.
Take notes at various meetings, including covers NGO meetings held at the Palais des Nations. Follow NGO participation at the UN meetings in Geneva, in particular, the sessions of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. Take notes during side events.
Participate in meetings which are of strategic interest for the NGO Liaison Unit and attend public meetings with NGO participation and prepare summaries.
Support the Unit in preparing communication tools such as the monthly newsletter to NGOs. Draft guidelines and materials to facilitate the engagement of civil society actors with the UN including flyers and updates for the UNOG website.
Research themes which are of interest to the Office of the Director-General and support the preparation of talking points and speeches for the Director-General or the Chief of the Unit.
Draft correspondence for the Director-General’s signature.
Draft annual report articles and other communication materials.
Support the Unit while performing a combination of administrative and substantive tasks and carry out any other ad hoc tasks, as may be required by the Chief of the Unit.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). be computer literate in standard software applications; have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English and in French (both oral and written) is required for the Internship Programme.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

INTERN - NGO LIAISON UNIT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND PARTNERSHIPS SECTION