Work Location

UNDRR Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration

This internship is until 30 June 2025. The internship is designed to be in person and full-time. The estimated starting date is 6 January 2025.

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 disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in 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 the United Nations, Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. UNDRR convenes and organizes Global Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction, every three years as mandated by the UN General Assembly, to take stock on the progress made, identify gaps, share good practices, and to re-energize the disaster risk reduction community to accelerate the implementation. This internship offers a great chance to learn about event management, hybrid event management and logistics in a global setting, while contributing to a key United Nations event focused on global disaster risk reduction. The internship assignment is in the UNDRR Headquarters in Geneva, and the main functions are to provide administrative and logistical support for the preparations of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which will take place in Geneve, in June 2025. The incumbents report to the Programme Management Officer in the Global Platform coordination team. Tasks will include: Event planning and logistics: • Assist in coordinating logistics for the Global Platform, including venue setup, room configurations, and technical requirements. • Support the organization of the official and unofficial event program, making sure all logistical details are handled smoothly. • Prepare and distribute materials such as agendas, programmes, and participant information packets. Administrative support: • Participate in planning meetings, take notes, and follow up on action points. • Maintain and update event schedules, timelines, and planning documentation. • Help arrange travel and accommodations for key speakers and participants as needed. • Assist in internal and external communications with stakeholders to follow up on event progress. On-site event support: • Provide on-the-ground assistance during GP2025, helping with registration, attendee support, and coordinating with UNDRR staff. • Help with troubleshoot o any issues that arise, ensuring the event stays on schedule and runs smoothly. • Work closely with speakers and facilitators to manage session logistics and timing. • Support virtual platform during sessions, as needed. • Archive event materials and documentation for future reference.

Qualifications/special skills

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 degree or equivalent).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

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.