The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET) is offering a Communications Internship for graduate students or recent graduates with strong graphic design and digital skills. Based in New York or fully remote, the role starts in January 2027 and supports UNODET's visual communications work at the heart of global technology governance.
About UNODET: The UN's Newest Office for Digital Policy
UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, making it one of the most recently created offices within the United Nations system. Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation, working closely with UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups worldwide.
🎯 The Office holds a wide-ranging and consequential mandate:
🏛️ Advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, guiding the Organization's strategic approach on digital and emerging issues.
🤝 Serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society, and other stakeholders.
💬 Facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies at the global level.
🔗 Strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations on digital and emerging technologies.
📋 Support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1), the UN's first comprehensive framework for governing digital cooperation and AI globally.
UNODET's Role in AI Governance
Under its mandate, UNODET also supports the AI governance mechanisms established within the United Nations through General Assembly resolution 79/325:
🧠 Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence: an authoritative scientific body providing evidence-based analysis to inform global AI policy.
🌍 Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance: a multilateral forum shaping responsible AI governance at the international level.
📄 UNODET follows through on the Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report "Our Common Agenda", facilitating dialogue that seizes opportunities presented by technology while mitigating its risks, in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
What the Communications Intern Will Do
The Communications intern will support UNODET's visual communications and digital presence. All assignments are project-based and ad hoc, designed to provide real learning exposure to the work of the Office under appropriate supervision:
🖼️ Assist in the design and preparation of visual assets for social media, websites, events, and publications using Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva.
📄 Support the production of digital publications and other communications materials, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
🌐 Assist with updating website content, layouts, and visual elements.
✅ Assist with quality checks for visuals, links, layout, and accessibility across digital platforms.
📢 Support communications coverage of key UNODET initiatives and events.
Who Can Apply: Education Requirements
To qualify for the UN Headquarters Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
🎓 Be currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
🏫 Have already graduated with a university degree at the second degree level or equivalent (or higher).
🌏 If studying in a country where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages: have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution toward the completion of a relevant degree.
Preferred degree fields include:
📐 Design
📣 Communications
📊 Marketing
🔗 Or related fields
A broad range of relevant academic backgrounds is welcome.
Skills and Tools You Will Need
UNODET is looking for interns with strong design instincts and practical experience with professional digital tools:
🎨 Strong graphic design skills and a good visual sense.
🖥️ Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva is required.
🌐 An interest in web design and digital storytelling is essential.
💻 Experience with web design, content management systems, and basic HTML and CSS is highly desirable.
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in English is required, as English is one of the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
🌍 Knowledge of another official United Nations language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is an advantage.
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Work Location and Schedule
📍 This position is based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States. A fully remote modality is also available, making the role accessible to candidates outside the New York area.
🕐 Both full-time and part-time schedules are considered, accommodating students and recent graduates with varied availability.
Duration and Start Date
📆 Expected duration: 3 to 6 months.
🗓️ Desired start date: January 2027.
Visa and Work Authorization Requirements
For internships in the United States, specific requirements apply to international candidates:
🛂 Persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents, or on another non-immigrant status (such as an F1 or J1 visa) will be required to obtain a G4 visa.
📝 The selected intern is responsible for ensuring they hold a valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT, OPT, or AT) before the internship begins.
🧾 All successful candidates are advised to discuss their specific visa and authorization requirements with UNODET before accepting the internship offer.
Financial Terms: What This Internship Covers
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. The costs and arrangements for the following are the full responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions:
✈️ Travel
🛂 Visas
🏠 Accommodation
💵 Living expenses
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may also need to obtain appropriate work or employment authorization in addition to the G4 visa.
No Fee at Any Stage
🚫 The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, meeting, processing, or training. The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Why This Internship Stands Out
🏛️ UNODET is one of the UN's newest and most strategically positioned offices, with a mandate that covers the defining technology questions of the 21st century: AI governance, the Global Digital Compact, and global digital cooperation. Working on communications at UNODET means creating visual content and digital materials that reach Member States, international organizations, and civil society partners around the world.
🎓 Youth Works Hub reviewed this opportunity as part of our collection of international internships with leading organizations. For a broader overview of how internships abroad work and what to look for when applying, see our guide to paid internships abroad for students.
🔍 Find more Internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub at youthworkshub.org/?tab=internship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this internship paid?
No. Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated. The costs of travel, accommodation, visas, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. The UN does not charge any fee during the recruitment process.
Can I apply if I am not in New York?
Yes. The position accepts both in-person candidates at UN Headquarters in New York and fully remote participants. Both full-time and part-time schedules are open.
What level of education do I need to apply?
You must be currently enrolled in a graduate programme (second university degree or equivalent), or already hold such a degree. If your country does not divide higher education into undergraduate and graduate stages, completing at least four years of full-time university study toward a relevant degree qualifies.
What tools and software must I know?
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva is required. Experience with web design, content management systems, and basic HTML and CSS is highly desirable.
What visa do I need as a non-US applicant?
If you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or on a non-immigrant visa such as F1 or J1, you will need a G4 visa along with approved employment authorization (CPT, OPT, or AT). UNODET advises all international candidates to discuss visa requirements before accepting an offer.
What is UNODET and what is it working on?
The UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies was established on 1 January 2025. Its mandate covers advising UN leadership on technology trends, advocating for global digital cooperation, strengthening coordination across the UN system, and implementing the Global Digital Compact. UNODET also supports the UN's AI governance bodies established under General Assembly resolution 79/325.
Can I apply if I am studying Design, Marketing, or Communications?
Yes. The preferred fields of study include Design, Communications, Marketing, and related areas. A broad range of relevant academic backgrounds is welcome.
Is this internship only for students currently enrolled in university?
No. Both students currently enrolled in a graduate programme and recent graduates who already hold a qualifying degree are eligible to apply.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026
Link
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/286898?language=en
