Internship Programs

UNODC Internships

Unpaid Internships

The UNODC internship program provides the candidates with an experience meant to supplement their educational background on a vast range of topics. The interns will be accompanied by senior professionals and will have, through practical activities, the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a work routine, with the internal policies of the agency, as well as with the international environment of the organization. Therefore, an internship in this organization will be a valuable asset to your curriculum and a great distinctive feature in future selection processes, since you will have the opportunity to know and experience the work dynamics, internal policies and routine of the organization.

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UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNODC Overview

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that assists in the fight against illicit drugs, international crime and terrorism. With the support of governments and civil society’s organizations, UNODC aids in the formulation of policies, carries out research and analysis, as well as develops technical cooperation projects aimed at establishing international security and justice. Headquartered in Vienna (Austria), the agency also has field offices in more than 150 countries around the world.

UNODC’s main focus:Fight illicit drugs trafficking, international crime and terrorism.

Themes addressed by UNODC:

Corruption
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Cybercrime
Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care
Drug Trafficking
Firearms
Fraudulent Medicines
Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling
Money-laundering
Organized Crime
Maritime Crime and Piracy
Terrorism Prevention
Wildlife and Forest Crime

Description of the UNODC Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNODC Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Social and Political Sciences
Psychology
Economics
Journalism
Finance
Information Technology
Accounting
Business Administration
International Relations and International Law

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNODC Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Support the working team;
Carry out research in the subject of the office where the intern has been assigned;
Support in data analysis;
Elaborate and update documents;
Perform other kinds of assigned activities.

What is the duration of the UNODC Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the UNODC Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the UNODC Internship?

UNODC has many offices spread around the world. The main ones are in Vienna (Austria), Dakar (Senegal) and New York (USA).

When does the UNODC Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNODC Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance and to provide constructive feedback. The intern must complete a questionnaire on his or her experience.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNODC Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNODC Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNODC Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Be enrolled in an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent.

What is the language requirement of the UNODC Internship Program?

Candidates must be proficient in English or French. Functional knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish may be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNODC Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNODC Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UNODC member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNODC Internship Program?

The main competencies required are: communication, teamwork and client orientation.

Other requirements:

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

What are the restrictions of the UNODC Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of a UNODC staff member.

UNODC Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNODC Internship Program?

Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of the agency. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on our website and social media platforms.

How to apply for the UNODC Internship Program?

The application process is done via the UN Careers portal, where all openings are published. The application must be done on the Inspira Gateway and comprises the following steps:

Register with the Inspira portal;
Fill out the profile data;
Search for internship openings;
Fill out the application form.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNODC Internship Program?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNODC Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNODC Internship Program?

The application process also requires you to submit:

Cover Note and Personal History Profile;
Internship agreement for the United Nations signed by you;
Medical Certificate of Good Health;
Proof of enrollment in a health plan that covers the office’s region that you have been assigned;
Proof of enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNODC Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:

It is important to submit your application in advance. Internship openings at UN Careers are removed from the portal at midnight of the deadline, New York time (GMT-5). You will not be able to modify your application after submission.

UNODC Internship - Costs

The agency offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan. Interns also must provide a medical certificate of good health.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.