Information Systems and Communication Technology Intern (Start ASAP)

About United Nations

The United Nations stands as a global sentinel for cooperation, championing diplomacy over conflict and unity over division. Committed to fostering peace, development, and human rights, it transcends borders to address the world's most pressing challenges, epitomizing the collective aspirations of humanity toward a harmonious and just world.

Your role

About the internship:

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) is seeking qualified interns for a maximum internship of 6 months, depending on the needs of the ODA and the willingness of the applicant. ODA provides substantive and organizational support to various United Nations bodies in the area of disarmament. The Office is mandated to provide objective, impartial, and up-to-date information on disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media, and the general public.

Interns will be assigned to a primary supervisor and are expected to adhere to the established official working hours five days per week with one hour for lunch break. The manager may consider some flexible time arrangements at the request of the successful candidates. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Regional Disarmament Information and Outreach Branch. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned tasks, and the internship period. The Intern will support the development and implementation of ODA's Information Technology (IT) services and systems. 

The intern shall undertake the following duties which may include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains ODA's flagship website content, which is content-driven, device-responsive, and multilingual.
• Work together with the ODA IT Team in web development using javascript, html and css; and web development frameworks.
• Maintains ODA's cloud computing environment mainly using Amazon Web Service (AWS), and Azure.
• Develops and maintains ODA's application containers in Docker or their cloud computing environment.
• Work together with the ODA IT Team to build content-driven websites, either with PHP (WordPress or Drupal) or Python (Wagtail, Django, or Flask) codebase.
• Performs and safe-keeps ODA's program codes using version control software using git.
• Prepares and incorporates graphics and multimedia content using open-source graphic/video editing tools; Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Maintains ODA's data stored inside relational and non-relational databases such as MySQL/Postgres and NoSQL.
• Assists in performing front-end web design and provides input on UI/UX.
• Assists in performing outreach using mainstream social networking and collaboration platforms.
• Build a project based on the intern's interests using cutting-edge technologies available in the market (e.g. cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, analytics/visualization, etc.).
• The project shall be relevant to one of the main UN's core business of peace and security, using the available cloud-based resources.

Expected duration: up to 6 months.

Training & development

The United Nations internship program offers comprehensive training opportunities to aspiring professionals. With a focus on cultivating skills and knowledge across various fields, interns gain valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the organization's work. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, the program equips interns with the necessary tools to thrive in their careers and contribute to the UN's global mission.

Benefits

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.

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Health insurance
• Holidays and leave
• Retirement pension, etc.

Career progression

At the United Nations, interns gain practical experience through engaging in meaningful work across various fields, contributing to the UN's mission of promoting peace, sustainable development, and human rights. With a strong focus on mentorship and professional development, the program equips interns with the skills and knowledge necessary for future career advancement within the organization and other organizations.

Work-life balance

The United Nations strongly recognizes that interns need time for personal and social activities outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis. They provide opportunities for interns to engage in meaningful work while ensuring they have time for personal growth and well-being.

Culture & vibe

At the United Nations, the culture and vibe are truly exceptional. From savoring a delightful cup of coffee to engaging with talented colleagues, it's a place that offers insightful experiences in a friendly environment. Embracing diversity, the workspace becomes a vibrant hub of varied perspectives, while maintaining high standards for sustained success.

About you

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). 
• Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For this position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en
• youtube.com/unitednations