The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that was founded in 1945 after World War II to maintain international peace and stability. The UN has 193 member states and two observer states, and its headquarters are in New York City. The UN works on various global issues, such as human rights, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and international law. The UN has six main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Secretariat, the International Court of Justice, and the Trusteeship Council. The UN also has many specialized agencies, funds, and programs, such as the World Health Organization, the UN Children’s Fund, and the UN Development Programme.
United Nations Graduate Internship Programme
The United Nations Graduate Internship Programme is a learning opportunity for students and recent graduates who are interested in working with the UN and its agencies. The program offers exposure to the UN’s mandate, programs, and processes, as well as the chance to enhance academic and technical skills through practical assignments. The duration, eligibility, and application process of the internship program vary depending on the UN office or agency. Some of the UN entities that offer graduate internships are:
United Nations Development Programme
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network that works on poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and environmental sustainability. The UNDP Graduate Programme is a two-year program that provides selected candidates with the opportunity to work in different UNDP offices around the world. The program is open to candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, and who are fluent in English and at least one other UN language.
United Nations Office in Nairobi
The UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports the work of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), as well as other UN offices and agencies in Kenya and the region. The UNON Internship Programme is open to students who are enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate degree program in a relevant field, and who have completed at least two years of full-time studies. The internship duration is normally three to six months, and the application process is done online through the UN careers portal.
United Nation University
The UN University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization that contributes to the resolution of pressing global problems through research, education, and capacity development. UNU has 14 institutes and programs located in 12 countries across the world. The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme is a four-month program that offers graduate students and young professionals the opportunity to work with UNU researchers and staff in various fields. The program is open to candidates who have completed or are currently enrolled in a master’s degree or PhD program in a relevant field, and who are fluent in English.
These are some examples of the UN graduate internship programs, but there are many more available from other UN entities, such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and WHO. To check for other opportunities with the United nation check their career page on the official website at https//www.un.org.
UN (United Nations) Free Online Courses you can take to increase your chances of internship
There are many free online courses offered by various UN agencies and partners that can help you gain valuable knowledge and skills for your future career. Here are some examples of courses that you can take:
Integrated Planning for Climate Change and Biodiversity
This course, jointly delivered by UNITAR and IUCN, will help you understand the nexus between biodiversity, climate change, and land-use plans, and how to collaborate across sectors and borders for sustainable development.
Human Rights and the Environment
This course, jointly offered by UNITAR and UN Environment, will provide you with a general introduction to the relationship between human rights and the environment, and some good practices and examples of national constitutions that have incorporated a right to a healthy environment.
Introduction to the 2030 AgendaA New Agenda for a Sustainable World
This course, designed by UNITAR, will improve your general awareness about the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, and how they relate to the UN’s work and your role as a global citizen.
UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) e-learning
This course, developed by UNESCO, will introduce you to the concept and principles of the Memory of the World Programme, which aims to preserve and promote documentary heritage as a source of knowledge and inspiration for present and future generations.