Governance Affairs Intern

Work LocationUN-House ESCWA Expected duration3 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), through its Cluster on Conflict Prevention, Governance and Institutions, supports Arab countries in building resilient, effective, and inclusive governance systems, particularly in contexts affected by conflict, fragility, and political transitions. The Cluster’s work focuses on strengthening state institutions, fostering transparent and accountable governance, and promoting conflict-sensitive public sector reform. It provides analytical, normative, and advisory support on issues related to institutional resilience, rule of law, anti-corruption, public administration performance, and post-conflict governance reconstruction. ESCWA’s work in governance also involves the development of regional and national indices to assess the quality of governance, public service delivery, and the performance of state institutions. This includes producing knowledge products and policy tools that help member States address structural governance challenges and design evidence-based institutional reforms. The internship offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates in international relations, public administration, or international development to contribute to impactful, data-driven work on governance in fragile and transitioning settings. The intern will support ESCWA’s work on governance and conflict prevention by contributing to both analytical and operational activities. Duties will include, but are not limited to: • Conducting research and preparing analytical briefs on governance structures, institutional reforms, conflict prevention strategies, and international policy frameworks relevant to fragile and conflict-affected contexts; • Contributing to comparative analysis of governance systems and public administration reforms across Arab States, using sources such as national strategies, UN resolutions, and global governance indices; • Assisting in the design, review, and interpretation of governance-related indicators and indices that measure transparency, institutional resilience, rule of law, and administrative effectiveness; • Supporting the drafting of policy notes, country briefs, and background papers for high-level events, workshops, and internal meetings—drawing on frameworks from public policy and international governance; • Assisting in the development of knowledge products related to institutional development, anti-corruption, and state-building, particularly those targeted at regional policy harmonization and capacity-building; • Participating in the mapping of regional and international actors and policy frameworks relevant to conflict prevention and governance reforms; • Assisting with event coordination, including concept notes and agendas for expert group meetings, technical dialogues, or capacity development sessions; • Supporting internal and external communication through translation, editing, and content development in English and Arabic; • Performing any additional duties as assigned by the Section Chief or Subprogram Director. The duration of a United Nations internship is for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis - this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months. Qualifications/special skillsTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1. Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above); 2. Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) 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 No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationA completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following: • Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?). • Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?). • List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. • List of your top three areas of interest. • Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. • Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months. Intern Specific textInterns 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 FeeTHE 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.