yAt Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this internship at the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the United Nations, based in New York. This is a six-month opportunity within the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) supporting the Secretary-General's global agenda on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This internship is open to enrolled and recently graduated students at the undergraduate or graduate level worldwide.
About the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG)
The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) exists to support the Secretary-General in performing the function of Chief Administrative Officer of the United Nations. EOSG is at the very center of the UN's operational and political work, translating the mandates of principal organs into concrete programmes and actions.
The Sustainable Development Unit (SDU)
Within the EOSG, the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) works towards the promotion and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDU supports the strategic engagement of the Secretary-General and the DSG on specific themes including: 🌱 Financing for development | 🌍 Environment and climate action | 🩺 Global health | ⚖️ Gender equality | 🍽️ Transforming food systems | 📊 Data for the SDGs | 🤝 Social protection and jobs
Core Responsibilities
📌 Provide policy analysis for the delivery of the SDGs, collaborating across SDU and with UN Agencies
📌 Help monitor, identify and analyze global trends related to sustainable development
📌 Support the preparation of analytical reports, papers, talking points, background notes, correspondence, key messages, video remarks, interviews and daily briefs
📌 Support the preparation of meetings, events, summits and visits for senior officials
📌 Support the transition of the new UN Senior Leadership
The Eight Thematic Tracks
Track 1: Financing for Development — Assisting with analysis and research for the stocktaking of the Secretary-General's Finance Strategy for the 2030 Agenda
Track 2: Environment, Energy and Climate Change — Supporting preparations and monitoring outcomes of high-level summits including COP 31, the 2026 UN Water Conference, COP 17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification
Track 3: Health — Supporting the Secretary-General's efforts to strengthen global health systems, pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage and mental health advocacy
Track 4: Gender — Supporting the Secretary-General's office mandate to respect gender equality, advance equal labor opportunities and protect women and girls from systemic discrimination
Track 5: Governance, Peace and Security — Supporting analysis on humanitarian, peace and development matters including the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Great Lakes Region, Haiti and Afghanistan
Track 6: Sustainable Food Systems — Supporting efforts related to sustainable food systems, food security and the Secretary-General's Call to Action for Accelerated Food Systems Transformation
Track 7: Education — Supporting the Office's priorities on education and preparing for high-level events
Track 8: SDG Acceleration and Partnerships — Supporting work to strengthen effectiveness through partnerships with private and public partners
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Who Can Apply
🎓 Enrolled in, or have completed, an undergraduate (Bachelor's level or equivalent) or graduate programme, OR in the final academic year of a first university degree programme
Work experience is not required. This listing is open to candidates from all nationalities worldwide.
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in English is required.
Work Modality, Duration and Start Date
📍 Duty Station: New York, United States | 🏢 Work modality: In-person; Remote or Hybrid | ⏱️ Expected duration: 6 months | 📅 Expected start date: 1 December 2026
Financial Conditions
This internship is not financially remunerated. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated. Costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
When does the internship start?
The expected start date is 1 December 2026. The internship runs for six months.
Is the internship in-person or remote?
The duty station is New York, United States. The position is listed as In-person; Remote or Hybrid.
Can I choose which thematic track I work on?
The intern is assigned to at least one of the eight thematic tracks by the team. Interns may work across multiple tracks depending on office needs and the candidate's background.
Do I need a visa to intern in New York?
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates are advised to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
