Position Overview

The United Nations Foundation links the UN’s work with others around the world, mobilizing the energy and expertise of business and non-governmental organizations to help the UN tackle issues including climate change, global health, peace and security, women’s empowerment, poverty eradication, energy access, and U.S.-UN relations.

The Sustainable Development Initiatives team (SDI) serves as the UN Foundation’s primary relationship manager with the UN system and diplomatic community in New York around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to monitoring, tracking, and analyzing the day-to-day activities of the UN, the SDI team works to support the leadership of the Secretary-General in the areas of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strategic communications, and partnership building with the private sector. The Sustainable Development Goals intern will provide cross-cutting policy, research, and events support to the SDI team, allowing them to learn about and support several priority issues of the Foundation.

*Please note this is a paid internship opportunity from May 30, 2023 – September 1, 2023*

Essential Functions

• Provide coverage of UN meetings and side events relevant to UN Foundation priorities and draft readouts on key themes/takeaways.
• Monitor news and blogs on UN issues to help staff stay abreast of UN activities and key upcoming meetings and events.
• Help track key development in UN bodies such as the Security Council, General Assembly, and ECOSOC.
• Assist in compiling weekly UN update emails for internal circulation.
• Support research and draft background documents and meeting briefs.
• Participate in internal team meetings and provide support when necessary.
• Assist with preparation, execution, and follow-up of UN Foundation webinars, events and meetings.

Selection Criteria

• Candidate must be enrolled in a degree-granting program during the internship or must be a recent graduate (within 8 months of graduation) of a college or university
• Demonstrated interest in the UN and international affairs required – interest in sustainable development, international development and/or the non-profit sector highly preferred.
• Strong research, writing, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter – while also contributing to a strong team environment.
• Experience with supporting the planning and execution of events, virtual and in-person.
• Fast and organized learner with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), preferred experience with basic graphic design programs (Canva) and Mailchimp.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have a personal laptop computer and access to the Internet.
• Must be available to work a maximum of 29 hours per week.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

The United Nations Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. The United Nations Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The United Nations Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. The United Nations Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.