The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is offering an Economic Affairs Internship in the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch in New York, United States. The internship lasts up to 6 months, with a desired start date of 4 January 2027, and focuses on supporting the Branch's work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and with ECOSOC. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the call (Job Opening ID 287128): applications close on 17 November 2026.
Where the Internship Sits Within the UN
The internship position is situated in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC) / Non-Governmental Organizations Branch, now called the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch (ENSB). The intern will report to the Senior Programme Management Officer.
What the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch Does
🤝 The NGO workstream of ENSB assists non-governmental organisations in their interaction with ECOSOC and other intergovernmental bodies.
🧭 It guides NGOs on the use of their consultative status to make significant contributions to the work of the UN.
🏛️ ENSB also provides substantive support to the work of ECOSOC, the High-Level Political Forum and the UN General Assembly.
Internship Format and Duration
🏢 Format: designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours), but it can be adjusted on request by the successful candidate
🔄 Part-time option: the internship may be adjusted to part-time based on the needs of the candidate
⏱️ Expected duration: 6 months (maximum)
🗓️ Desired start date: 4 January 2027
💼 Remuneration: the internship is unpaid
🔖 Job Opening ID: 287128
Your Day-to-Day Work
Daily responsibilities depend on the intern's background, assigned office and internship period. Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer, the intern will primarily support the Branch's work with NGOs, with opportunities to support its work with ECOSOC. Duties may include support for the ad hoc preparations for the upcoming consultations with the Committee on NGOs and for the project reviewing NGO applications, including but not limited to:
📋 Assisting in the review of applications for consultative status, ensuring they comply with the requirements of ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31
✉️ With guidance, communicating with NGOs on the status of their applications and various basic requests
🔎 Undertaking basic internet research to gather background information and materials for reports and studies
📝 Taking notes during sessions of the Committee on NGOs and reviewing relevant documentation
🗂️ Providing ad hoc support in preparing the Committee on NGOs' consultations with NGOs in consultative status
👥 Contributing to the Branch's work on stakeholder engagement and NGO participation in ECOSOC meetings
🎙️ Providing ad hoc assistance in organising panel discussions, roundtables and special meetings of ECOSOC
📣 Supporting communications on an ad hoc basis by contributing content to the ECOSOC website, newsletter, brochure, social media channels, press releases and news articles
➕ Performing other project-related support functions consistent with the scope of the project, the intern's responsibilities and the learning objectives of the internship
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Who Can Apply to the UN Internship Programme?
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)
📅 (c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, commence the internship within one year of graduation
In the application you will be asked which of these criteria you meet, and you must attach proof. An official certificate will have to be provided at a later stage.
Experience, Field of Study and Desirable Skills
🚫 No professional work experience is required for the UN Internship Programme.
📚 A field of study closely related to the type of internship is required.
✍️ Strong research and report writing skills are desirable.
🌱 An interest in sustainable development issues, stakeholder engagement and the work of the UN in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is desirable.
Language Requirements
🗣️ English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
🇬🇧 Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme.
🔤 Knowledge of French or any of the other official UN languages is an asset.
Costs, Visas and Living 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 takes place may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorisation, and 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
📄 Apply through the official UN careers vacancy for Job Opening ID 287128.
✅ Indicate which eligibility criterion (a, b or c) you meet and attach proof to your application.
Find more internship and traineeship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UN DESA ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch internship paid?
No. The internship is unpaid, and interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visa, accommodation and living costs are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
The expected duration is up to 6 months, with a desired start date of 4 January 2027.
Is the internship full time and in person?
It is designed to be in-person and full-time (35 hours), but it can be adjusted on request, including to part-time based on the needs of the candidate.
Do I need work experience?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but a field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Who is eligible?
Students in the final year of a first university degree, students in a Master's or PhD programme, or recent graduates who can start within one year of graduation. Fluency in English is required.
What will the intern work on?
Mainly the Branch's work with NGOs: reviewing applications for ECOSOC consultative status, communicating with NGOs, supporting the Committee on NGOs, research, event support and communications content.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy (UN Careers): https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287128?language=en
📝 Apply (Inspira): https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=287128&languageCd=ENG
🏛️ About the office (OISC): https://ecosoc.un.org/en/about-us/office-intergovernmental-support-and-coordination-sustainable-development
