Policy Coordination Intern at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Switzerland HYBRID
Recruiter: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
About United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the United Nations focal point for the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 20152030. UNDRR works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to understand and reduce disaster risk, saving lives and livelihoods, and building climate-resilient communities worldwide.
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 United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, 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.
Full Job Description
Work Location
Geneva
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. This internship is located in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Director’s Office, in Geneva, Switzerland. The intern reports to the Senior Coordination Officer in charge of Global Platform and Policy Coordination. The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person or remote. The intern will support the Senior Coordination Officer and the team in the following tasks: 1. Contribute to Global DRR Processes -Support activities related to the post2030 agenda and preparations for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2028. -Assist with planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and documentation to ensure an inclusive and collaborative process across regions and sectors. 2. Support UNDRRs Policy and Analytical Work -Assist in the development of policy briefs, analytical papers, and other technical documents. -Provide project management support to ensure timely drafting, review, and publication of key policy outputs. 3. Research, Writing & Knowledge Generation -Conduct research, synthesize information, and help draft a variety of substantive materials such as information notes, background papers, briefing documents, and PowerPoint presentations. -Transform data and research findings into clear, engaging written products for internal and external audiences. 4. Meeting & Coordination Support -Assist in organizing internal and external meetings, workshops, and consultations. -Prepare agendas, coordinate invitations, support logistics, and take clear and actionable meeting notes.
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). 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. 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 a good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Ability to design surveys and polls is desirable. Organizational skills and proactive approach to work 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.
Additional Information
Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.
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.
No Fee
THE 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.
Key Details
- Job Title: Policy Coordination Intern
- Grade: I-1
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland (Hybrid)
- Department: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Contract Type: Internship
- Salary: Unpaid
Qualifications
- 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.
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. UN internships are unpaid. Candidates for the UN Internship Programme are required to cover the cost of travel including Visa, accommodation, health insurance and other living expenses for the duration of the internship.