Internship Programs

UNSSC Internships

Paid Internships

The goal of the UNSSC Internship Program is to provide those interested in international development with a greater understanding of the work of the UNSSC, promoting practical experience in topics related to learning, training and knowledge management. In addition, participants will work with a multicultural team and will be able to network and receive continuous feedback.

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UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNSSC Overview

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is an international center focused on the dissemination of training, learning and knowledge management activities for United Nations employees. Located in Turin (Italy), UNSSC operates through residential courses, distance-learning, strategic exchanges, seminars, among other activities. These different programs serve more than 10,000 beneficiaries and involve topics such as leadership development and management. The agency also seeks to meet the objectives of the United Nations, encouraging technical knowledge in areas such as Security, Peace, Human Rights and Global Development.

UNSSC’s main focus: Promoting training, learning and knowledge management activities in order to assist the UN and its partners in pursuit of global development.

Themes addressed by the UNSSC:

Leadership
Management Development
Peace
Security
Human Rights
Sustainable Development

Description of the UNSSC Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNSSC 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:

Economics
Education
Public or business administration
International Relations
Computing and Communication
Other related areas

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

Tasks vary for each available slot. However, they follow the most common activities:

Draft and review documents, reports, etc;
Provide administrative support and help in learning programs;
Take part in training, meetings and events with other members of the agency;
Prepare presentations;
Contribute to projects;
Perform other types of activities when required.

What is the duration of the UNSSC Internship?

The duration of the internships varies between 3 to 6 months, at most.

What is the weekly workload of the UNSSC Internship?

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

Where are the locations of the UNSSC Internship?

Vacancies are spread between the agency’s headquarters in Turin (Italy) and its second campus in Bonn (Germany).

When does the UNSSC 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 UNSSC Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance in the agency.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNSSC Internship - Salary

Interns receive up to 450 euros per month from UNSSC.

UNSSC Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNSSC Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Be enrolled in the last school year of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or;
Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNSSC Internship Program?

Candidates must have proficiency in English. Knowledge of another language in the UN System (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish) will be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNSSC Internship Program?

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

What is the nationality requirement of the UNSSC Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UN member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNSSC Internship Program?

The main competencies required are:

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
Planning & Organizing: Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; adjusts priorities as required; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently;
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Places team agenda before personal agenda.

What are the restrictions of the UNSSC Internship Program?

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

UNSSC Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNSSC Internship Program?

There is no specific application deadline for the program, since openings arise throughout the year and have their particularities. The application process takes place by e-mail and the vacancies are published in the “Employment Opportunities” section of the agency’s website.

How to apply for the UNSSC Internship Program?

Search the vacancy by area of interest on the UNSSC website;
Download the vacancy’s PDF file to check out the specific requirements for that opening;
Send the requested documents to the following e-mail, indicating the vacancy in the title: recruitment@unssc.org

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNSSC 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:

Searching the vacancy and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNSSC Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. 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 UNSSC Internship Program?

Download the vacancy’s PDF file to check out the specific documents required for that opening;
A motivation letter, elaborated in a concise style, of why you consider yourself qualified for the position.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNSSC Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experiences and skills, as well as your educational background.

UNSSC Internship - Costs

The organization 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). The agency will facilitate the process of obtaining entry visas for countries of assignment.

Insurance:

You must obtain medical insurance coverage in accordance with the requirements for entering Italy or the country of assignment. You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in such insurance plan.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period. The internship stipend provided by UNSSC can also be used to cover such costs.

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. You must also have all the prescribed vaccinations for travel to the assigned duty station.