The United Nations Department of Global Communications is looking for a news writing and reporting intern for the English Language Unit of UN News in New York. The placement is full time, in person, lasts a minimum of three months from January 2027, is not remunerated, and closes on 27 October 2026.
Job Opening 285603 in Brief
🆔 Job Opening ID: 285603
🏢 Department/Office: Department of Global Communications
🗂️ Job Family: Public Information
📊 Category and Level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🧾 Recruitment Type: Intern
📍 Duty Station: New York
🗽 Work Location: New York
Where the Position Sits Inside UN News
The position is located in the English Language Unit, News Section I, News and Content Branch, News and Media Division, Department of Global Communications. That chain matters when you write your application: this is the unit that publishes in English, inside the branch that handles news and content for the whole department.
What the News and Content Branch Produces
The News and Content Branch is primarily a multimedia service provided by the United Nations to promote the universal ideals of the United Nations, including peace, respect for human rights and development. It produces a range of audio, video and multimedia products across nine languages, and those products are available to media organizations around the world.
Hands-On Experience in the UN Newsroom
The Unit is looking for interns who wish to gain hands-on experience in the UN newsroom, particularly in the production of daily news, in-depth features and other multimedia products in English. The intern will undertake assigned project activities under supervision.
Start Date, Minimum Duration and Extension
🗓️ Desired start date: January 2027
⏱️ Minimum duration: three months, full time and in person
🔁 Extension: possible up to a total of six months, based on the needs of the office and the availability of the candidate
Drafting and Translating News Articles in English
The first duty on the list is drafting English news articles by integrating and translating information from various sources. Those sources include reports, press releases, official statements and resolutions, so the work is as much about pulling official material into readable English as it is about writing from scratch.
Proofreading Before and After Publication
The intern proofreads news articles both before and after publication. In a newsroom that works to tight deadlines, that second pass after an article is already live is part of the routine, not an exception.
Fact-Checking and Background Research
The intern assists with fact-checking and background research. This sits next to the writing duties: the same person who integrates information from reports and resolutions also helps verify it.
Graphic, Visual and Audio Content
The intern assists in the production of graphic, visual and audio content. The branch works across audio, video and multimedia formats, so the role is not limited to text.
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Feature Stories, Research and Interviews
Beyond daily news, the intern will be encouraged to work on feature stories, to conduct research and interviews, and to draft feature stories. This is the part of the role where you build your own material rather than processing someone else's.
Reviewing the Partnerships Database
One duty sits outside the newsroom routine: reviewing the partnerships database by collaborating with the UN Partnerships Unit and looking for new digital media and other partners. That search includes finding trustworthy entities that work on fact-checking and media literacy.
Outreach and Other Duties as Assigned
The listing closes the duties section with performing other duties as assigned, including outreach. Expect the task list to shift with what the unit needs during your months there.
Two Academic Routes Into the Programme
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations New York Headquarters Internship Programme, Department of Global Communications, applicants must meet one of two academic conditions:
🎓 Graduate route: be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📚 Final-year route: be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent)
Which Fields of Study Count
Both routes are limited to the same list of subjects: communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English or translation studies. If your degree is outside that list, this particular job opening is not the one for you.
Computer Literacy, Interest and Tolerance
The second condition in the listing bundles three separate requirements:
💻 Be computer literate in standard word processing and spreadsheet software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar
🕊️ Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
🤝 Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
The Software Named in the Listing
Separately from the word processing requirement, the listing states that applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Teams. Name the ones you actually use well, because the cover note asks for your IT skills in writing.
No Work Experience Required, but Proof of Study Is
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advanced course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Applicants must be a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), a Master's or Ph.D. programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. programme.
Indicating Your Criterion and Attaching Proof
The listing asks directly whether you meet any of the above criteria, and if yes, to indicate which one and attach proof to the application. It also notes that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage, so keep your enrolment or graduation documents ready.
Language Requirements at UN News
English or French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in both written and spoken English is essential: UN News is a fast-paced environment and the candidate will be expected to record interviews in English and write to a high level of proficiency, to demanding deadlines. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
What the Cover Note Must Contain
A completed online application, meaning a Cover Note and a Personal History Profile, is required, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include six specific items:
🏫 Your degree programme, meaning what you are currently studying
📅 Your graduation date, meaning when you will graduate or when you graduated from the programme
🖥️ A list of the IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
🎯 Your top three areas of interest
⭐ A brief explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
🌐 A brief explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
How Applications Are Evaluated
The evaluation of applicants is conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application, according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Those include the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
Inspira Rules: Nothing Changes After You Submit
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information about their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
The Three Competencies Named in the Call
🗣️ Communication: speaks and writes clearly and effectively, listens to others, correctly interprets messages and responds appropriately, asks questions to clarify, exhibits interest in two-way communication, tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience, and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
👥 Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise, is willing to learn from others, places the team agenda before the personal agenda, supports and acts in accordance with the final group decision even when it does not entirely reflect own position, and shares credit for team accomplishments while accepting joint responsibility for shortcomings
🎧 Client orientation: considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from their point of view, establishes and maintains productive partnerships by gaining trust and respect, identifies client needs and matches them to appropriate solutions, monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the client environment to stay informed and anticipate problems, keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks, and meets timelines for delivery
Costs: Travel, Visas, Accommodation and Living Expenses
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, which is why many applicants arrive with university or national funding behind them. If you are weighing this placement against funded routes, our guide to how internships abroad for students really work sets out the difference between an employer-paid internship and a grant-funded traineeship.
Visas and Work Authorization for Non-Residents
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 or employment authorization. The listing advises successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer, so raise the question as soon as an offer is on the table.
No Fee at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, meaning application, interview meeting, processing or training, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. Youth Works Hub only publishes opportunities that come with a direct application route, and our guide to how every listing is checked explains the red flags worth knowing before you apply anywhere.
How to Apply
Apply online through the job opening with a completed application: both the Cover Note and the Personal History Profile are required, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Write the Cover Note around the six items listed above, indicate which academic criterion you meet and attach proof of it, and check everything before you submit, because no changes can be made afterwards. You can browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub while this one is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the news writing and reporting intern do at UN News?
The intern drafts English news articles by integrating and translating information from reports, press releases, official statements and resolutions, proofreads articles before and after publication, and assists with fact-checking and background research. The role also covers graphic, visual and audio content, feature stories with research and interviews, and a review of the partnerships database.
Where is this UN internship based?
In New York. The duty station and the work location are both New York, and the placement is in person and full time, so it cannot be done remotely.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
The desired start date is January 2027. The minimum commitment is three months full time, with a possibility of extension to a total of six months based on the needs of the office and the availability of the candidate.
Is the UN News internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme, or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme, in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, English or translation studies. They must also be computer literate, show a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and demonstrate an ability to work with people of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
Do I need work experience?
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. What matters is that your training, education, advanced course work or skills benefit the United Nations during the internship.
What level of English is required?
Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential, because the candidate will be expected to record interviews in English and write to a high level of proficiency to demanding deadlines. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
What has to go into the Cover Note?
Six things: your degree programme, your graduation date, a list of the IT skills and programmes you are proficient in, your top three areas of interest, a brief explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship, and a brief explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
No. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted, so check the Cover Note and Personal History Profile carefully before sending them.
Which software skills are expected?
Standard word processing and spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar, and good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Teams.
Do international interns in New York need a visa?
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship takes place may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work or employment authorization. Successful candidates are advised to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the offer.
Does the United Nations charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meeting, processing or training, and it does not ask about applicants' bank accounts.
Deadline
⏳ 27 October 2026
Link
🔗 Job opening and application (Apply Now): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285603?language=en
