About Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairsis part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.

Job Summary

This internship offers a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to gain hands-on experience in international development and international cooperation and sustainable development. Working with Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, you will contribute to meaningful projects that address global challenges and promote sustainable development. You will develop valuable professional skills while working in a multicultural, international environment alongside experienced professionals.

Key Details

• Job Title:Intern – Humanitarian Affairs
• Grade:I-1
• Location:New York, United States (Flexible: in-person, hybrid, or remote)
• Department:Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
• Contract Type:Internship
• Salary:Unpaid

Qualifications

• Language: English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in spoken and written English is required for all internship positions.
• Fluency or working knowledge of French is desirable.
• Fluency or working knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Skills

• The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.
• OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts.
• OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.
• All internships are within the Pooled Funds Management Branch (PFMB) in the Financing and Partnerships Division of OCHA.
• OCHA coordinates humanitarian actors to ensure effective emergency response, funding aid to people in crises via two multi-donor funds: the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs).
• These funds provide timely, flexible aid where it’s needed most, supporting humanitarian reform efforts and coordination led by Humanitarian and Resident Coordinators.
• The PFMB team values diversity, empathy, and collaboration, encouraging open communication and the sharing of knowledge.
• Members lead their areas of work independently while contributing to team decisions, voicing opinions, and focusing on continuous improvement.
• Interns will monitor humanitarian developments, support anticipatory action frameworks, and draft funding application responses.
• Responsibilities include preparing guidance, conducting training, and coordinating with Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators.
• Interns will manage data on localization, gender, and funding trends, maintain information resources, and assist in partnerships with Member States and UN agencies.
• They will help organize high-level events, analyze complex data, develop financial workflows, automate reporting, and create dashboards to improve efficiency and transparency in funding allocations.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply