Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Field Staff Union (UNFSU) represents staff serving in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions under the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The Union advocates for the rights, welfare, and working conditions of international and national staff serving in field duty stations worldwide. Through collective advocacy, communications, and policy engagement, the UNFSU plays a critical role in ensuring staff voices are heard in decision-making processes and in fostering solidarity among UN field staff. The UNFSU seeks to engage an intern to support its advocacy, communications, and membership initiatives. The intern will work under the supervision of the Executive Committee and in close collaboration with relevant focal points. This internship is designed to provide valuable exposure to staff union work within the United Nations system, while also strengthening the intern’s research, communications, and organizational skills. The intern will contribute to a range of activities central to the Union’s mandate. Advocacy and Policy Support The intern will be expected to conduct research and analysis on UN policies, staff regulations, and administrative issuances impacting field staff. The intern will assist in drafting position papers, briefing notes, and advocacy materials to support UNFSU leadership in engaging with management and staff bodies. In addition, the intern will monitor developments on issues such as staff security, conditions of service, mobility, and health insurance, providing timely updates and recommendations. Communications and Digital Outreach The intern will support UNFSU’s communications by planning, creating, and publishing high-quality content across websites, newsletters, and social media. This includes writing, editing, and proofreading clear, audience-appropriate copy; developing multimedia assets (infographics, short videos, photo stories, and presentations); and maintaining an editorial calendar that reflects UNFSU priorities and observances. They will manage day-to-day website and social media updates; monitor digital engagement and prepare concise analytical summaries to inform strategy; and use ethical AI tools to assist with ideation, drafting, adaptation, and optimization. The intern will support campaigns (including UN80 activities) ensuring brand consistency, accessibility compliance, and timely rollout across platforms. The role involves active liaison with UN missions, departments, and staff representatives to source stories, align messaging, and amplify initiatives. The ideal profile includes a strong digital communications background; proven content development skills; familiarity with CMS, analytics, and basic design/video tools; and excellent spoken and written communication in English. Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation The intern will assist in the organization of consultations, meetings, and workshops with staff representatives and UN management, as well as provide support for UNFSU participation in global forums such as the Staff-Management Committee. The intern will liaise with internal and external partners to strengthen collaboration and prepare meeting notes, background documents, and follow-up actions. Membership Engagement and Capacity Building The intern will support the design and administration of surveys to capture the concerns of UNFSU members and contribute to the analysis and presentation of data through reports and infographics. The intern will also assist in preparing and delivering webinars, training sessions, and information materials aimed at empowering staff with knowledge about their rights and entitlements. Programmatic and Administrative Support The intern will draft correspondence, maintain electronic records, assist with the preparation of annual reports, and support special research projects on international labor standards and best practices. The intern will work closely with the Executive Committee to ensure smooth workflow and contribute to strengthening the Union’s ability to serve its members effectively.
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). The field of studies must be closely related to communications, information management Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint. Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts in desirable. Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable
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 an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
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.
