2018 United Nations General Assembly Internship Program
Each year the Australian Mission offers six - seven internship positions that run for the duration of the high level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from mid-September to mid-December.
The Mission’s 2018 UNGA Internship Program will commence on Monday 10 September.
The Mission is also implementing an Internship Program for other times of the year. Applicants should indicate their interest and availability for other opportunities in 2019 when submitting their application.
The Internship
The Australian Mission to the United Nations in New York is one of four posts representing Australia’s interests in the United Nations system. The other posts are in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
The Mission serves as the nucleus of the Australian delegation to the regular sessions of the General Assembly, and represents Australia at a range of UN meetings that take place when the Assembly is not in session.
The work of the Mission is intense and diverse, requiring flexibility, analytical thinking and a firm understanding of diplomatic principles. The environment is complex and demanding but the work is highly rewarding for the right people.
Interns will work under the guidance of experienced officers and will be expected to contribute to the regular diplomatic reporting undertaken by the Mission. They will primarily assist with policy work on the six main UNGA Committees, which cover international security, political and economic issues, human rights, legal and budget. This could include attending committees and meetings, and assisting with negotiations of texts and resolutions. Interns will also assist with events and high-level visits associated with “Leaders’ Week”, the high-level week of the General Assembly.
Interns represent the Australian Government in a formal capacity in an international environment. For this reason, social maturity, cross-cultural awareness and clear communication skills are essential.
The General Assembly
The high-level session of the General Assembly is a very important part of the United Nations calendar. During this period interns should expect to attend several formal and informal meetings a day. The daily meetings of the General Assembly and its main committees take place from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, with regional and other groups often meeting in the morning, through the lunch break, and at other times throughout the session. Be prepared for a busy schedule and working days that will often extend beyond these set times.
Selection Criteria
The Selection Criteria for the UNGA Internship program are:
- Relevant qualifications and/or experience – with preference given to those who have undertaken studies in the areas of political science, international relations, international law, human rights, gender studies, environment and international development;
- Clear communication and strong interpersonal skills;
- Able to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships;
- Problem-solving and analytical skills;
- Proven ability to handle high pressure environments, demonstrating initiative and flexibility; and
- Prior exposure to, or demonstrated knowledge of, the United Nations system and Australian policies and priorities within the United Nations.
Our Internship Training
The first week of the UNGA internship program will include briefings and training on the workings of the Mission and the UN as a whole. Once the General Assembly is in session, the training provided to interns at the Mission is very much ‘on-the-job’. Interns will learn first-hand how the foreign service functions and gain a useful understanding of international negotiations.
Over the course of the program, interns will develop a working knowledge of key UN departments and personnel, and come to grips with the complexities of UN protocol and rules of procedure.
Conduct and Ethics
The Mission demands the highest standards of professional conduct from its employees. Ethical conduct by staff and interns contributes significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace and to the standing of the Mission in New York, Australia, and internationally.
In agreeing to participate in the Mission’s Internship Program and undertake duties as directed, interns are required to comply with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Locally-Engaged Staff Code of Conduct, which takes account of the particular significance of the department’s representational role outside of Australia. They should be ready to accept direction and guidance from Mission officers.
Funding Assistance
Interns receive a monthly stipend of $1400 USD to assist with living expenses in New York City. Please note that this is not a salary and it does not constitute an employee/employer relationship.
Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and health insurance arrangements.
The Mission will assist with visa arrangements.
Obligatory Requirements
To be an eligible applicant, you must:
- be an Australian citizen, or have been granted Australian citizenship by the end of April 2018
- be available to re-locate to New York for the complete duration of the program (10 September – 14 December 2018)
- be willing to undergo a mandatory police check
- have completed a minimum of one year of tertiary education
Key Dates 2018 – UNGA Internship
20 April 2018 Applications open
11 May 2018 Applications close
End of June 2018 Internship offers extended to successful applicants
10 September 2018 Internship program commences in New York
14 December 2018 Internship program concludes (please note that this date will vary across Committees)
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A CV of no more than two pages, including names and contact details of two referees (written references are not required)
- Academic Transcript
- Responses to the attached questions – please limit each answer to 150 words. Responses over the word limits will not be considered.
Applications for the 2018 UNGA Internship Program will close at 5pm New York local time, Friday 11 May 2018.
Please send applications and any queries to: