Internship Programme

JIU has two internship programmes, which provide qualified graduate students with a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the United Nations system, and acquire experience in one of the following fields: evaluation research and information technology (IT).

 

Description of duties

Research internship programme

Interns undertake duties similar to those expected from a Research Assistant, supporting the work of a team for a specific report, under the supervision of an Evaluation and Inspection Officer, to assist the Inspector(s) in the research work related to on-going projects of the annual work programme. Interns can also be involved in supporting the work to prepare future work programmes and other internal tasks of the Unit.

The intern will be assigned to different tasks depending on the status of implementation of the annual work programme of the unit. Normally, s/he will be assigned to be research assistant for one or two of the JIU's reviews, under the direct the supervision of an Evaluation and Inspection Officer. As part of his/her duties, s/he will contribute to the research (desk review, review of basic documentation) and drafting work to support the review prepared by one or more Inspectors of the Unit. This entails analysis of key issues for the review, including comparative analysis of the work of the 25 participating organizations in this area, preparation of questionnaires and interview guides, analysis of information received, participation in interviews and preparation of minutes, preparation of analytical charts, graphs, tables etc.

The intern may also be tasked with preparing management assessments of select JIU organizations. This entails research of the organization involved, analyzing recent organizational developments in the area of management and administration. S/he could additionally be involved in reviewing the follow-up information provided by participating organizations regarding the status of implementation of JIU reports. This requires an analysis of the responses provided, trend development, statistical analysis and review of supporting secondary information.

If joining the Unit between the period of October – end of January, s/he may also be assigned to be part of the team preparing the Winter Session of the Inspectors and providing support to the preliminary work leading to the definition of their Annual Programme of Work. This process includes task such as: research and validation of proposals, liaison with Participating Organizations and other coordinating and oversight bodies of the System, and support to the work of the coordinator of the Programme of Work.

Information technology internship programme

Depending on the status of implementation of IT projects, the JIU IT strategy and the qualifications of the candidate, interns will be requested to assist as software developers, web designers, in the support and installation of Windows applications, configuration of IT equipment, networking and other relates IT tasks. The work carried out at JIU will be in compliance with their studies

 

General Requirements

The following criteria are used to determine eligibility for the internship programme (Research & IT internships):

  • Background in one of the following fields: evaluation, management, public administration, international law, finance, development economics, international relations, political science as well as other social sciences or other related fields. Candidates with a background in inter-agency coordination, human rights, humanitarian assistance, project and programme fund management, programme and policy analysis, development assistance etc. are also encouraged to apply;
  • Fully proficient in web-based research including use of online databases
  • Fluency in English (reading, writing, understanding, speaking); knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset;
  • Experienced in the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including ability to readily prepare tables and charts and maintain and update databases via excel;
  • Prior work experience, while useful, is not a prerequisite;
  • Advanced Information Technology (IT) skills (for IT internship candidates only)

 

Terms

The UNOG Internship Programme is intended for students:

  • enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, 
  • enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

Internships are intended to promote a better understanding of international problems among participants and to provide them with an insight into the work of the United Nations.

Interns are not paid.

The acquisition of the necessary visas, travel costs and arrangements and living accommodation are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Successful candidates should be able to provide proof of enrolment in a Medical Insurance valid in Switzerland, as well as a Medical Certificate stating that the student is in a good health.

Guide for Interns

Administrative instruction: United Nations internship programme

 

How to apply

Please apply online following instructions on the below vacancy:

UN Careers

Testimonials

Some of the previous interns have provided a short testimonial about their time at the Joint Inspection Unit: