JOB DESCRIPTION

Work Location

In person at the New York Liaison Office, with the possibility of partial remote work.

Expected duration

The internship is for a duration of 6 months, in person with the possibility of partial remote work and full time. The desirable dates are from 12 January to 11 July 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with United Nations Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. This internship is based in UNDRR’s New York Liaison Office which works with governments, United Nations system partners, and civil society stakeholders to integrate disaster risk reduction into intergovernmental deliberations and policy decisions taken at United Nations Headquarters. The internship is for a period of six months, ideally from 12 January 2026

• 11 July 2026. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week under the overall supervision of the Chief of Office and working with other team members, as needed. The internship will be in-person with the possibility for partial remote. Responsibilities Responsibilities will depend on the individual”s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Assist in drafting and preparing background documents, reports, issue briefs, talking points, articles, presentations, meeting minutes, etc.
• Support organization of intergovernmental meetings, conferences, and side events, and provide substantive, logistical and administrative support during meetings and conferences in virtual and hybrid modalities.
• Assist in collecting and systematizing information on disaster risk reduction practices and sustainable development issues; and briefings based on data collection, research and analysis.
• Support outreach and research and analysis on current issues related to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development relevant to intergovernmental processes in New York.
• Provide support to the policy development, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends related to disaster risk reduction, climate change, sustainable development.
• Assist in maintaining databases, websites and mailing lists.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, 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 level or equivalent). 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 that you are applying for is required. 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 meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter Applicants must have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official United Nations language is desirable. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Intern Specific text

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/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

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.