The United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) is recruiting a project-based Aviation Project Management Intern in the Air Transport Section of its Office of Supply Chain Management. The internship lasts from 3 months up to 6 months, can be full-time or part-time, in person in New York, remote or hybrid, and the deadline is 19 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and set out every detail below.
A Project-Based UN Internship in Aviation Operations
The positions sit in the Air Transport Section (ATS), Logistics Division (LD), Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS). Interns work as full members of the team, pursue projects designed to make a significant difference in OSCM, and have opportunities to learn about the United Nations overall. The intern reports to the relevant supervisor in ATS.
Where You Would Work: DOS, OSCM and the Air Transport Section
🏢 DOS was established to provide end-to-end operational support, advisory services and other solutions to operating entities across the Secretariat, including departments, Offices Away from Headquarters, peace operations and regional commissions
🧱 OSCM includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary General for Supply Chain Management, Logistics Division, Procurement Division, Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Centre, Aviation Safety Section and the Enabling and Outreach Service
📦 The Logistics Division plays a central role in end-to-end supply chain management across UN operations, from air transport, including unmanned and remotely piloted aviation, to ground transport, engineering, medical and supply
✈️ The Air Transport Section provides aviation support to all Secretariat entities by establishing the required contracts in coordination with the Procurement Division, and provides management support to clients to improve the cost effectiveness and efficiency of aviation operations
Work Location and Duration
📍 Flexible modality depending on the needs of the candidate: full-time or part-time, fully in person in New York, fully remote, or hybrid
⏱️ From 3 months, with the possibility of extension up to six months
🗓️ Desired start date: November 2026
Project Management Tasks
OSCM offers project-based internship opportunities with a unique blend of Aviation Project Management and Data Administration. The Project Management intern will:
🗂️ Support project management activities, including planning, scheduling, documenting and coordinating project tasks, ensuring accuracy
📈 Assist in tracking project progress and timely completion of deliverables on a daily, weekly and/or bi-weekly basis
⏰ Manage time efficiently and meet deadlines, adapting to changing project requirements and priorities
🔄 Leverage Agile principles to analyse project tasks, timelines and deliverables for project continuity
📝 Coordinate weekly updates for key projects, integrating team inputs into internal systems for records
🎤 Develop and deliver presentations on project updates and findings to management and senior personnel
🤝 Collaborate with cross-functional divisions so that organisational and departmental objectives are met through timely communication and updates
📑 Translate data results into written reports or presentations for management
📋 Prepare and update drafts of meeting agendas, document notes and assign tasks as relevant
💬 Use strong verbal and written communication to interact with team members and internal stakeholders and present data findings clearly
🎪 Support the organisation of meetings and events, including logistics, drafting background materials and follow-ups that summarise key points and action items
🧹 Support team members with data cleaning from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases and data systems
📊 Create simple data visualisations independently for internal or external use
🧠 Identify issues and develop solutions, using analytical thinking to analyse data and draw meaningful insights
🧰 Use advanced business tools such as Excel, including PivotTables, PowerPoint and Word, and analytics tools such as Microsoft SharePoint, Power BI, Tableau and Visio
Commercial Aviation Category Team Support
🛫 Support the Commercial Aviation Category Team in its operational, analytical and strategic functions related to the management of commercial air services activities
🔍 Assist in reviewing, evaluating and streamlining existing Aviation Category Team operational processes
📡 Conduct research on aviation industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies relevant to UN aviation operations
💡 Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery within the team
🛠️ Develop recommendations and support transformational initiatives aimed at reducing manual workload and addressing resource constraints
🤖 Explore opportunities for automation, digitisation and standardisation of routine processes and tasks
🧾 Assist in preparing reports, presentations, briefing notes and operational analyses
🗄️ Support the maintenance of aviation-related databases, records and performance metrics
🧪 Take part in special projects, process improvement initiatives and other assignments directed by team management
📚 Assist in collecting, organising and documenting procedures, lessons learned and operational best practices
The internship is designed for candidates with a strong interest in commercial aviation operations, operational performance improvement, business analytics, innovation, automation and digital transformation. The intern contributes directly to initiatives that improve the efficiency, effectiveness and modernisation of the Commercial Aviation Category's air services activities. Based on performance and operational requirements, the intern may also support special projects related to aviation operations, process optimisation and organisational transformation.
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Expected Outcomes
🔎 Review and assessment of selected Aviation Category Team operational processes
⚙️ Recommendations for automation, digitisation and workflow optimisation
🗺️ Process maps and SOP improvement proposals
📄 Research papers, briefing notes or analytical reports on aviation operational best practices
📊 Improvements to aviation-related databases, dashboards or tracking tools
🎤 A final presentation outlining findings, recommendations and implementation opportunities
Who Can Apply
To qualify for a project-based internship with the UN, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📘 Be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent)
🏅 Have graduated with a university degree, as defined above
The UN is open to a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds. Typically, interns for this opportunity are pursuing studies and experiences in aviation, air transport management, aeronautical studies, aviation operations, aviation safety, airport management, logistics, supply chain management or related fields.
Desired Interests and Skills
✈️ Technical understanding of commercial aviation operations
📜 Familiarity with aviation regulations and industry practices
⚙️ Business process improvement and operational efficiency
🔬 Research and analytical skills
📊 Data analysis and reporting
💻 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint and Word
✍️ Strong written and verbal communication skills
💡 Ability to identify innovative and technology-driven solutions
🔄 Interest in digital transformation and automation initiatives
🧮 Knowledge of data analysis tools is desirable
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.
Costs, Visas and Work Authorisation
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. For project-based internships in the United States, interns who are not US citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant status (such as F1) are required to obtain a G4 visa. Interns are responsible for ensuring they have a valid visa and, if required, employment authorisation (CPT/OPT), allowing them to undertake the internship. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
For help weighing your options, read how a fellowship, an internship and a traineeship differ, or browse the Internship category on Youth Works Hub.
Terms of the Project-Based Internship Programme
⏱️ The minimum duration is three months, which can be extended to a total of six months
🕐 Interns work full-time or part-time in the entity that selected them, under the supervision of a staff member at an appropriate level; working hours are discussed with the supervisor at the time of the interview
🏠 Flexible working arrangements (hybrid or remote) are possible if the receiving entity agrees in writing to accept an intern on that basis
📆 Under such arrangements, interns must work the equivalent of at least two months full-time or four months part-time to receive recognition of service as an intern, and the internship must be completed within a six-month period
🗃️ The receiving entity maintains a record of attendance to ensure the intern meets this requirement
🔒 Interns serving in one entity have no right to transfer to another entity
📘 Full provisions are in ST/AI/2020/1: https://undocs.org/ST/AI/2020/1
📞 Potential candidates are contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration
How to Apply
A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. The Cover Note must include:
🎓 The title of the degree you are currently pursuing
📅 Your graduation date from your current programme
💻 A list of IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
⭐ Your top three areas of interest or department preferences
🙋 An explanation of why you are the best candidate
🌐 An explanation of your interest in the UN Internship Programme
In your Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or training).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UN DOS Aviation Project Management internship paid?
No. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and costs for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.
Can I do this internship remotely?
Yes. The modality is flexible: full-time or part-time, fully in person in New York, fully remote, or hybrid.
How long does the internship last?
At least 3 months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. The desired start date is November 2026.
Who can apply?
Graduate students, students in the final year of a university degree (minimum bachelor's level), and university graduates. A broad range of backgrounds is welcome.
Do I need a visa to intern in New York?
Interns who are not US citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant status, such as F1, must obtain a G4 visa and, if required, employment authorisation (CPT/OPT).
Is there an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 19 November 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy page: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/285411?language=en
