United Nations ‘Water for Life’ Decade Internship Programme

Objective

The internship programme is designed to provide a framework which allows students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain an insight into the ‘Water for Life’ Decade and the work, strategy and procedures of the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC). It is intended that this experience be mutually beneficial, providing interns with invaluable experience and allowing the Decade and UNW-DPAC to benefit from the unique skills and experience of professional minded students from a variety of specialised backgrounds.

Additional information
  • Internships will last for a minimum of two months, but can be extended up to six months
  • Interns will work on a full-time basis (35 Hours, 5 days a week) under the supervision of a staff member of appropriate level
  • Interns will receive no financial remuneration, benefits extend to the experience gained.

Why participate?

If you are interested in a career with the United Nations then there is no better place to start. Not only will you gain an understanding of a specific department and its procedures, your experience could be the first step towards your chosen career.

Expectations

As an intern, you can expect your supervisor to create a working environment that is conducive to your learning and professional development. Your assignment shall be responsive to your skill set, but also provide a challenge through complexity and variety. It is the expectation of your receiving office that through collaborative efforts, both parties will benefit from your contributions.

You will receive a certificate stating your involvement with the UN after satisfactory completion of your internship.

Am I eligible?

In order to participate in the internship programme one of the following statements must apply to you:

  1. I am currently enrolled in a Graduate School programme (second University degree, equivalent, or higher)
  2. I am enrolled in the final academic year of a first degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
  3. I am graduated with a University degree (as per the minimum level stated above)
    If you meet the conditions stated in number 3, you must commence the internship within a year of graduation.
  4. In addition to the above you must not be the child or sibling of a staff member.

Personal attributes

Although we require people that can provide a specific set of skills to our office, it is not necessary that you have any previous work experience. However, pay attention to the following attributes:

  • Languages. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
  • Competencies:
    • Communication. Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills.
    • Teamwork. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
    • Client orientation. Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.

Legal information

  • Interns are not staff members and shall not represent the UN in any official capacity, likewise the internship programme is not a recruitment process and interns should not expect to be recruited in this way. If a position does become available, interns may not apply until six months after their internship has terminated.
  • Interns must observe all applicable rules, regulations, instructions, procedures and directives.
  • Interns must provide a copy of all materials produced during their internship.
  • Interns may not communicate at any time with media or any institution, person Government or external party any information that has become known to them through their association with the United Nations. Such information may not be written about without the authorization of the appropriate official.

How do I apply?

If you are eligible for the internship programme, then complete your application process below. We look forward to hearing from you!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please indicate the following on your correspondence: Internship Programme in Water, Information and Communications in Zaragoza, Spain

Plus the session you are interested in participating in (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn).

In your P11 form, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills and three references.


Send us a complete application (Cover Note and P11 form) which can be e-mailed to: Garcés Mónica

Or posted to the following address:

  • Internship Programme
  • United Nations Office to support the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life’ 2005-2015
  • Casa Solans. Avda. Cataluña Nº 60
  • 50014 Zaragoza, Spain
  • Tel: (+34) 976 72 42 20
  • Fax: (+34) 976 72 42 33

The Cover Note must include mention of:

  • Graduate Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?). Graduation Date (When will you be graduating from the programme?).
  • List your top three areas of interest.
  • Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
  • Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

NOTE: Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.