The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is looking for motivated interns to support its Strategic Planning and Communications Services (SPCS) in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), with New York as the duty station. The internship lasts 2 to 6 months, the desired start date is 2 November 2026 or sooner, and applications close on 21 October 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening and gathered every duty, requirement and condition in one place.
Key Facts About the Internship
📌 Position: Intern, Strategic Planning
🏛️ Department/Office: Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
📍 Duty Station: New York, United States
🏠 Work Location: Flexible (Hybrid, all remote, or in-person)
⏱️ Expected Duration: 2-6 months
🚀 Desired Start Date: 2 November 2026, or sooner
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285305
🗂️ Job Family: Programme Management
🏷️ Category and Level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🪪 Recruitment Type: Intern
⏳ Deadline: 21 October 2026
Duration, Schedule and Supervision
📆 The internship is for a minimum of two months, with an opportunity for extension to a maximum of six months
🕘 The internship is unpaid and full-time
🗓️ Interns work five days per week (35 hours)
👤 Interns work under the supervision of a staff member in SPCS to which they are assigned
In-Person, Remote or Part-Time?
The work location is listed as flexible (hybrid, all remote, or in-person). The duties section explains that the internship is designed to be carried out in-person at UNHQ in New York, while telecommuting within or away from the duty station, or a part-time schedule, may be exceptionally considered depending on the specific situation of the selected candidate.
About UN DESA
Rooted in the United Nations Charter and guided by the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN DESA upholds the development pillar of the United Nations. The department:
🌐 Brings the global community together to work towards common solutions to the world's most pressing problems
🗺️ Helps countries translate their global commitments into national action in the economic, social and environmental spheres
⚖️ Is a leading analytical voice for promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities and eradicating poverty
How UN DESA Supports Decision-Making
UN DESA helps countries make informed decisions by providing a wealth of information through:
📚 Its publications and databases
🏢 Its support for international deliberations at the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Commissions, Forums and other bodies
What Strategic Planning and Communications Services Does
SPCS is responsible for providing strategic planning, communications services and information technology support to the Department. The internship sits within this team, in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General.
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What Your Days Will Look Like
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background and the internship period. The selected intern's duties may include, but are not limited to, the tasks below, while embracing the UN 2.0 vision through innovative and data-driven approaches.
Research, Tracking and Analysis
🔍 Tracking, researching and analyzing information on assigned topics, gathering information from diverse sources and assessing potential impact
📈 Helping monitor, identify and analyze global trends on sustainable development
✅ Supporting the tracking and analysis of decisions or tasks and their implementation
Supporting Senior Management
🤝 Supporting the preparation of senior-level management meetings, conferences and retreats
🎤 Assisting in the preparation of speeches and talking points
🧩 Assisting in coordinating the formulation of strategies, programmes and policies
Briefs, Papers and Reports
📝 Supporting the preparation of background notes, summary briefs and option papers
📑 Supporting the preparation of analytical reports, papers, talking points and correspondences
Meetings, Events and Ad Hoc Projects
🎟️ Supporting the preparation of meetings, events, talks and visits
🛠️ Assisting in ad hoc requests and projects relating to the strategic planning efforts of SPCS
🔄 Performing other duties as assigned
Academic Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📘 (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. programme.
Do You Need Work Experience?
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required.
Desirable Experience, Interests and Skills
Work experiences as well as interests, skills and knowledge in several of the following areas are desirable:
🌱 International affairs, gender equality, sustainable development
🔎 Attention to detail and a passion for leadership support
💼 Strategy / management consulting, policy work or executive support
📊 Analytics, performance optimization and data visualization
🎨 Presentation design skills (e.g., knowledge of Adobe InDesign / Illustrator)
💻 Data and digital skills, with an understanding of innovative approaches including data-driven analysis and strategic foresight
Proof of Eligibility in Your Application
The application asks whether you meet any of the above criteria. If yes, you must indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship
🇺🇳 English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat
➕ Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage
🌏 The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
Diversity Commitment
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Who Cannot Be Engaged as an Intern
⛔ Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems
👪 Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System
Costs, Travel and Visa Arrangements
🧾 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 at Any Stage
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.
How to Apply
A complete online application is required. In your Motivational Statement, indicate when you would like to start your internship; the start and end dates are flexible. The Motivational Statement must also include:
🏅 Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
🎉 Graduation date (when you will be graduating or have graduated from the programme)
🌟 An explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
💡 An explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills and three references. In the application, also state which academic requirement you meet and attach proof of it.
If you are weighing this placement against other options, our guide to how internships abroad for students really work explains the main routes. You can also browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UN DESA Strategic Planning Intern do?
The intern supports SPCS in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General by researching and analyzing assigned topics, monitoring global trends on sustainable development, preparing background notes, briefs, speeches and talking points, supporting senior-level meetings and retreats, and helping with events, visits and ad hoc strategic planning projects.
Is the internship remote or in New York?
The work location is listed as flexible (hybrid, all remote, or in-person). The internship is designed to be carried out in-person at UNHQ in New York, while telecommuting or a part-time schedule may be exceptionally considered depending on the selected candidate's situation.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
It lasts a minimum of two months and can be extended to a maximum of six months. The desired start date is 2 November 2026, or sooner, and start and end dates are flexible.
Is the UN DESA internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid, and interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate programme, or be in or have completed the final academic year of a bachelor's degree. A closely related field of study is required, but no professional work experience is needed.
What must the Motivational Statement include?
It must state when you would like to start, the title of the degree you are pursuing, your graduation date, why you are the best candidate for this internship and your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
Which languages do I need?
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.
Can I apply if I have already interned at the UN?
Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems cannot be engaged as an intern.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information.
Deadline
⏳ 21 October 2026
Link
🔗 Job opening and application (Apply Now): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285305?language=en
