The three-month UNOSD internship program is one of the most prestigious internship programs available in South Korea for foreign students and is an amazing opportunity to see the inside workings of the United Nations.
About the UNOSD
The United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) contributes to building, exchanging and facilitating the use of knowledge in support of a faster and broader transition towards sustainable societies.
UNOSD is managed by the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), with the support of the Republic of Korea Ministry of Environment, Yonsei University and the City of Incheon. Its offices are located in New Songdo City, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Through its internship program the UNOSD offers outstanding students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to the work of the United Nations while making a significant contribution to UNOSD activities and mandate.
Eligibility for the UNOSD Internship
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree programme of a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and during the period of the internship; or
Applicants pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages must have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
In addition, the following competencies will be sought by UNOSD when selecting internship candidates:
- Experience: No prior professional experience is required, although any experience of relevance to the work of UNOSD will be an advantage;
- Working skills: Be results-oriented, with the ability to meet deadlines, and to work both autonomously and in a team. This includes good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
- Interests: The applicant should, however, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of UNOSD and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter;
- Communication: Good communication skills, including the ability to draft documents in a clear and concise manner;
- Languages: Good oral and written command of English is essential. Knowledge of any other of the UN officials languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian), or Korean, would be a significant asset.
Terms of the internship program
The UNOSD internship program has a duration of three months and can be renewed for up to six months in exceptional cases. Internships are normally on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), from Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00. Work is performed under the supervision of an assigned staff member, in the premises of UNOSD.
Interns are not remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibilities of the interns or their sponsoring institution. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of an intern or the costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship (before starting their assignment, interns will need to prove that they have valid medical insurance coverage and submit a medical certificate of good health).
Duties
Interns support UNOSD staff and consultants for one or several of the following tasks, according to their academic qualifications, experience and interests:
- Documentary research, data recording and editing, policy analysis, and synthesis;
- Drafting and/or translation of communication material of event and research reports;
- Assisting with the logistics of organising events such as conferences and workshops;
- Clerical work related to the above.
Applications
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Proof of current enrolment in a graduate degree programme, clearly showing dates;
- Copy of your latest academic records (transcripts). An unofficial copy will suffice at this stage, but UNOSD reserves the right to request an official copy from your institution later in the selection process;
- Copy of an official document proving your age (passport, ID card, driving license);
- A completed and signed standard United Nations Personal History Form (P11, which can be downloaded here.
- A covering letter of no more than two pages which discusses:
- Your academic interests and expected date of graduation;
- Why you are interested in working with UNOSD, including notably:
- How you expect to contribute to the work of UNOSD;
- What you expect to learn from your internship with UNOSD.
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected], or by mail to:
#205, Libertas Hall A
Yonsei University International Campus
85 Songdo Gwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu
Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
Note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
No Fee: The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts.
Eligibility checklist
Please use the following table to check your eligibility and the feasibility of an internship with UNOSD before sending us an application:
- You are currently enrolled in a graduate or equivalent programme and will be during the entire internship, or you are pursuing studies in a country where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, and you are currently enrolled in your fifth year (or higher) at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
- You are able to obtain the necessary visa and to arrange your travel to and stay in Incheon, South Korea.
- You are able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, insurance, visa and living expenses related to the internship.
- If selected, you will be able to submit:
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- Proof of valid medical insurance coverage for your stay in Korea;
- A medical certificate stating that you are in good health;
- Proof of your enrolment in a graduate studies programme; and
- A proof of age.
5. You are able to communicate fluently in both oral and written English.
For more information about the UNOSD internship program please see the UNOSD website.