Job description
About United Nations 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 - International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH)
UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building.
This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global health, institutional storytelling, and stakeholder engagement. The intern will contribute across several areas of work, supporting internal coordination, documentation, research consolidation, and communications activities related to UNU-IIGHโs 20th anniversary initiatives.
Description of Responsibilities
1. Coordination & Event Preparation
Support tracking and preparation for regional events and internal planning calls
Assist with maintaining stakeholder lists, calendars, and shared documents
Take notes during meetings and help follow up on action items and checklists
2. Research Consolidation & Knowledge Support
Compile and organize background information from internal and partner sources
Consolidate and format raw data, survey responses, and excerpts into usable formats
Assist in developing summaries and basic visual outlines (e.g., timelines, highlight lists)
Help document institutional milestones, case studies, and testimonials
3. Communications & Engagement
Draft outreach templates for emails to alumni, youth participants, and partners
Support the collection and organization of visuals, quotes, and profiles for use in digital content
Conduct light proofreading and formatting of materials for internal and external use
Skills & Attributes:
Strong organizational and communication skills
Comfortable consolidating information from different sources (documents, data, notes)
Detail-oriented with a methodical approach to tracking and documentation
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and adapt to evolving priorities
Open to learning and understanding how higher-level project coordination and institutional work operates
Flexible, reliable, and curious about how global health institutions engage with partners and the public
Optional: Basic comfort with Canva, visual layout tools, or light media editing is welcome
What we offer:
Hands-on experience in a reputable UN organization.
Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
A chance to contribute to meaningful global health initiatives.
A stipend of RM 1,000 per month to help cover living expenses
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion - 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 - 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 - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
Behaviours:
Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and Plan - 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 - 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 - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
Education:
Graduate students or recent graduates (within one year) of a Masterโs degree in public health, international development, communications, political science, international relations, or a related field.
Undergraduate students in their final year may be considered if they demonstrate strong relevant experience or academic background.
Language:
Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required;
Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Duration of contract:
The duration of the internship is 3 - 6 months, full time and preferably to be physically based at the duty station.
Application Deadline:
31 July 2025 (MYT 11.59pm)
Starting Date:
11 August 2025
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the APPLY LINK below;
Fill out the internship form Application Form and upload it into the box named โP11 Formโ;
Upload a cover letter outlining your reasons and motivations for applying (as a general rule, please keep your cover letters concisely written - less than 500 words - with proper heading, subject, salutation, date, and punctuation);
Upload an updated resume, with contact details, academic record, and past experiences (include the CV in the same PDF file of the Cover Letter).
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Candidates invited for interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents
Document(s) confirming your education status (e.g. transcript or proof of enrollment);
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.
UNU accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
Stipend
Interns who are not in receipt of financial support for the purpose of this internship 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 will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
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.