The Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) at the United Nations Office at Geneva is looking for a Research and Analysis Intern for a full-time internship of 3-6 months in Geneva, Switzerland. Applications close on 22 January 2027, and no professional work experience is required. At Youth Works Hub, we set out what the Unit does, how interns support its reviews and what you need to apply.
The JIU Internship in Brief
🏢 Office: United Nations Office at Geneva
🔖 Unit: Joint Inspection Unit (JIU)
📍 Duty station: Geneva
🎚️ Category and level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
🗂️ Job family: MPA
🆔 Job Opening ID: 281536
👥 Recruitment type: Candidate Pool, Intern
🕒 Duration: 3-6 months
📆 Schedule: full-time, five days a week (40 hours)
⏰ Deadline: 22 January 2027
Hands-On Experience in UN Oversight and Evaluation
This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in oversight and evaluation within the United Nations system. It is a full-time placement, with interns working five days a week for 40 hours. If you are weighing up this kind of placement, our guide on how a fellowship, an internship and a traineeship differ sets out the main distinctions.
Where You Would Work
The work location is Geneva, Switzerland. In-person presence at the Joint Inspection Unit at the United Nations Office at Geneva is preferred where possible. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered, taking into account the needs and circumstances of the successful candidate and the requirements of the Unit.
What the Joint Inspection Unit Does
The JIU is the only independent external oversight body of the United Nations system, mandated to conduct system-wide reviews. Its role is to enhance management and administrative efficiency and to promote greater coordination among United Nations agencies, as well as with other internal and external oversight bodies.
In its reviews, the Unit:
🏅 Identifies best practices
📏 Proposes benchmarks
🧾 Makes observations and evidence-based recommendations
🔄 Facilitates information-sharing across its participating organizations
The participating organizations have adopted the Unit's Statute and currently comprise 28 organizations of the United Nations system.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Switzerland →
────────────────────────────────────────
How Review Teams Are Built
Review teams are composed of:
⚖️ Inspector(s)
🧑 Evaluation and Inspection Officer(s)
📚 A Research Assistant
Who You Would Work With and Report To
Interns at the JIU support review teams assigned to specific reviews. You would work:
🧭 Under the direct supervision of the assigned Evaluation and Inspection Officer
🎯 Under the technical direction of the Inspector(s) in charge of the review
🤝 With additional day-to-day guidance from the assigned Research Assistant, as applicable
Academic Qualifications You Need
At the time of application, you must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in a field relevant to the work of the JIU
🏫 Be enrolled in the final academic year of, or have recently completed, a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent)
Fields Relevant to the JIU
🏛️ Public administration
📜 Public policy
🌐 International relations
💾 Data science
📊 Statistics
👪 Social sciences
🔨 Law
📋 Management
📈 Economics
No Work Experience Required
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, your training, education, advanced coursework or skills should benefit the United Nations during the internship.
Competencies the Unit Is Looking For
🙌 Teamwork
💬 Openness to others' ideas and expertise
🌱 Willingness to learn
🗓️ The ability to plan, prioritize and use time efficiently
🕊️ A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
Familiarity with the responsible use of digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, to support research, analysis, drafting and knowledge management is desirable, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and appropriate human review.
Skills You Must Have
🖥️ Proficiency in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
🔬 Strong research and analytical skills
✍️ Clear and concise drafting skills in English
🗃️ Organizational skills
🧐 Attention to detail
⏳ Reliability in meeting commitments and deadlines
🌏 The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment
Skills That Would Be an Advantage
Good knowledge of advanced qualitative and quantitative data analysis and visualization software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools would be an advantage.
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme
➕ Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Costs, Travel and Visas
The internship is unpaid. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and 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 or employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
The United Nations Charges No Fee
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meeting, processing or training. It also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Find more placements in the internship section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the JIU Research and Analysis internship?
The expected duration is 3-6 months. The internship is full-time, with interns working five days a week for 40 hours.
Can I do the JIU internship remotely?
In-person presence at the Joint Inspection Unit in Geneva is preferred where possible. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered, taking into account the needs and circumstances of the successful candidate and the requirements of the Unit.
Is the JIU internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No professional work experience is required for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, your training, education, advanced coursework or skills should benefit the United Nations during the internship.
Which degree do I need for this internship?
You must be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a graduate programme in a field relevant to the JIU's work. Alternatively, you can be in the final academic year of, or have recently completed, a first university degree of at least bachelor's level.
Which languages are required?
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.
What would I do as a JIU intern?
You would support review teams assigned to specific system-wide reviews, under the direct supervision of an Evaluation and Inspection Officer and the technical direction of the Inspector(s) in charge. Day-to-day guidance may also come from the assigned Research Assistant.
Deadline
⏳ 22 January 2027
Links
🔗 Apply on Inspira: https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=281536&languageCd=ENG
🖇️ Job opening page: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/281536?language=en
