Job description
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York with a satellite office in Geneva, Switzerland.
UNU-CPRโs core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic interest and importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centreโs work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination. For more information, please visit https://unu.edu/cpr
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace Pillar head, the Global Fellow will:
Conduct research, analysis, and other project support work related to the Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace Pillar, in particular to work with ongoing projects related to sanctions, conflict in borderlands, peace operations, counter-smuggling, trafficking and organized crime initiatives, and peacebuilding efforts aimed at strengthening state institutions.
Support research and analysis for ongoing projects, including potentially on topics related to human rights programming and promotion within peacebuilding settings, inclusion-related programming and addressing root causes of conflict, Women Peace and Security strategies and civil society engagement, peacebuilding strategies in the context of hybrid governance environments, or responding to efforts to counter transnational organized crime in fragile or conflict-affected states; research support may include a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Provide support to events or research briefings.
Liaise with other researchers, authors, and organizations as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity โ act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact โ hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Masterโs degree, or currently enrolled in a Masterโs programme, in one of the following disciplines: International Affairs, Public Policy, International Law, Political Science, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Economics, Economics or other relevant subjects
This is an entry-level position aimed primarily at enrolled masters students, or recent (within two years) graduates.
2) Required skills and experience
Past experience in human rights or peacebuilding programming, including past work related to sanctions, conflict in borderlands, peace operations, counter-smuggling, trafficking and organized crime initiatives, or peacebuilding efforts aimed at strengthening state institutions is an asset.
Sound, hands-on, knowledge of MS Office applications required; familiarity with ICT tools and high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and within a multi-cultural team
3) Language Requirements
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required.
Fluency in French and/or Spanish is a strong asset
Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Duration and Location
The duration of the internship is up to 6 months.
The location of the internship is New York, with some remote work possible under certain circumstances.
Stipend
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UNU to partially subsidize basic daily expenses such as meals, transportation, and internet costs for the duration of the internship.
The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates in effect. The stipend for New York is USD1,000 per month. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Expected start date.
October 2025
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
ยท Apply via the apply link;
ยท Attach a brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
ยท Attach a current and complete CV in English in the field labelled P11;
ยท Answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
September 17 2025, by 12pm New York time
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, and references. For the selected candidate the following will be required:
ยท Document(s) confirming your education status (e.g. transcript or proof of enrollment);
ยท Proof of health and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have health and life insurance.
Additional Information
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNU in any official capacity.
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNU but to complement an internโs studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this internship cohort for upcoming internships within the next two years.
Scam warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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