Intern – UN Diplomacy and External Relations

Job Description

Partnerships Intern | UNOPS

The Tone:
This is an internship at UNOPS, located in New York, United States. The New York Board and External Relations Office (NYBER) of UNOPS manages the organization’s relationships with the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UN Member States, and the broader UN system. The NYBER office is seeking an intern to support UNOPS’ engagement in UN intergovernmental processes, Executive Board affairs, and UN high-level events in New York. This role offers practical experience in UN governance, diplomacy, and external relations, while contributing to effective protocol, logistical, analytical, and coordination support for diverse interagency and stakeholder engagements.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, New York, United States

• Team: New York Board and External Relations Office (NYBER)
• Mission: Support UNOPS’ engagement in UN intergovernmental processes, Executive Board affairs, and high-level events within the UN system in New York.
• Tech Stack: Google Suite/Workspace Office

What You’ll Actually Do
• Intergovernmental Monitoring: Monitor and report on developments across key UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC, Security Council, Commission on the Status of Women, and other relevant fora, assisting in drafting briefing notes and analytical reports to identify trends.
• High-Level Event Coordination: Assist in comprehensive preparations for High-Level Week (UN General Assembly, September 2026), including facilitating accreditation, coordinating room bookings, materials preparation, guest management, providing real-time troubleshooting, and taking notes for internal use.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support the organization of side events on the margins of major intergovernmental processes in New York, including drafting and disseminating communication materials and conducting outreach to Permanent Missions and UN stakeholders.
• Executive Board Support: Provide logistical and administrative support for formal and informal Executive Board meetings, encompassing technical coordination, note-taking, and managing the speakers’ list to facilitate smooth proceedings during sessions.
• Diplomatic Protocol: Assist in preparing bilateral meetings by compiling background materials, coordinating logistical arrangements for visiting UNOPS delegations, and organizing protocol aspects of official events, including seating arrangements, order of precedence, guest coordination, and on-site support during high-level visits.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Candidates must be currently enrolled in a university program such as Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date. Candidates should be studying towards a university degree, preferably in developmental studies, political science, international relations, or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in the usage of computers and software packages, specifically Google Suite/Workspace Office, and proficiency in handling web-based systems.
• Skills: Excellent report writing skills.
• Bonus: Prior experience in the field of intergovernmental affairs, diplomatic missions, communications, and/or partnerships in an intergovernmental organization.