The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is recruiting an Economic Affairs Intern for the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch of its Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC) in New York. The internship is unpaid, lasts a maximum of six months from a desired start date of 1 February 2027, and applications close on 22 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening and set out every duty, requirement and condition below.
About the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch
The internship is situated in DESA, OISC, in the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch, now called the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch. The ECOSOC workstream of the branch provides substantive support to the work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the UN General Assembly.
The branch also provides substantive support to the work of NGOs and Major Groups and other stakeholders (MGOs) and their engagement with ECOSOC.
The job opening ID is 287078, in the category Affiliate Personnel, Internships, level I-1, with recruitment type Intern.
Your Role Under the Senior Sustainable Development Officer
Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Sustainable Development Officer, the internship primarily supports the branch's work with ECOSOC, and also offers opportunities to support its work with NGOs, Major Groups and other stakeholders and their engagement with ECOSOC. Daily responsibilities depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned office and the internship period.
The duties may include support and assistance on the ad hoc preparations during the 2027 session of ECOSOC, but are not limited to the tasks below.
Your Tasks as an Economic Affairs Intern
🗓️ Assist in the support to the preparations of the 2027 session of ECOSOC, including special meetings convened by the President of ECOSOC, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the HLPF
💬 With guidance, assist in communicating with potential participants and speakers at ECOSOC meetings, including the ECOSOC Youth Forum
🔎 Undertake basic internet research to gather background information and materials for the compilation and preparation of talking points, statements, reports and studies, as needed
📝 Assist during ECOSOC meetings, including the special meetings convened by the President, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and the HLPF, by taking notes during meetings and reviewing relevant documentation
🤝 Assist during the informal consultations of ECOSOC in its review of the ECOSOC subsidiary bodies, taking notes during meetings and assisting in the preparation and review of relevant documentation
🎙️ Provide ad hoc assistance to the organization of panel discussions for ECOSOC meetings and special meetings of ECOSOC
📣 Support communications on an ad hoc basis by contributing relevant content to the ECOSOC website, newsletter, brochure, social media channels, press releases and news articles
🧑🤝🧑 Contribute to the work of the branch on stakeholder engagement and NGO participation in ECOSOC meetings
📋 Assist in the review of applications for consultative status by ensuring that applications are compliant with the requirements of ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31
🧩 Perform other project-related support functions as assigned, consistent with the scope of the project, the individual's responsibilities and, where applicable, the learning objectives of the internship
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Duration, Hours and Working Arrangement
⏳ The internship is intended to start on 1 February 2027, with a maximum of six months
🏢 It is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours)
🔀 It can be adjusted based on a request by the successful candidate, and may be adjusted to part-time based on the needs of the candidate
💶 It is intended to be full-time and unpaid
Academic Eligibility: Who Can Apply
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 a one-year period of graduation
Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. programme.
Do You Need Work Experience?
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required.
Proof of Eligibility in Your Application
The application asks whether you meet any of the criteria above. If yes, you indicate which one and attach proof to the application. You will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Skills the Branch Is Looking For
🔬 Strong research and report writing skills are desirable
🌱 Interest in sustainable development issues, stakeholder engagement and the work of the UN in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is desirable
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position
🇺🇳 English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat
➕ Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset
🌏 The official languages of the UN Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
Is the UN Internship Paid? Costs and Visa 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 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
Because the placement is unpaid, it helps to plan your funding early. Our guide to how internships abroad for students really work explains the main routes and how funded and unfunded placements differ. You can also browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
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
Submit your application through the UN careers portal before the deadline. In the application, state which academic requirement you meet and attach proof of it. An official certificate will be requested at a later stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the UN DESA Economic Affairs Intern do?
The intern primarily supports the ECOSOC and NGO Support Branch's work with ECOSOC, including preparations for the 2027 session, ECOSOC Youth Forum and HLPF meetings, note-taking, research, communications content and the review of applications for consultative status. The intern also has opportunities to support the branch's work with NGOs and Major Groups.
Is the UN DESA internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
The internship is intended to start on 1 February 2027 and lasts a maximum of six months. It is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours), and can be adjusted based on a request by the successful candidate.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme, be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme, or have graduated with a university degree and commence the internship within one year of graduation. A closely related field of study is required, but no professional work experience is needed.
Which skills and languages do I need?
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Strong research and report writing skills and an interest in sustainable development issues, stakeholder engagement and the work of the UN in advancing the SDGs are desirable. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.
Do I need to prove that I meet the academic requirement?
Yes. In the application you indicate which requirement you meet and attach proof. You will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Do I need a visa for the internship in New York?
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 offer.
Does the UN charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information.
Deadline
⏳ 22 November 2026
Links
🔗 Job opening: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287078?language=en
📝 Application (Apply): https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=287078&languageCd=ENG
