UN Internship Opportunity 2025–2026: Economic Affairs Intern – Development Cooperation (New York)

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Table of Contents

✨ Introduction

Do you dream of contributing to global development cooperation while gaining first-hand experience at the heart of the United Nations? The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in New York is inviting applications for an Economic Affairs Internship focused on development cooperation and infrastructure asset management.

This unique opportunity offers young professionals the chance to immerse themselves in international policy dialogue, sustainable development, and global cooperation while building valuable research, communication, and organizational skills.

🏛️ About the Organisation

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) plays a central role in supporting international cooperation for development. It serves as a vital platform for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development.

Through its Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) and initiatives such as infrastructure asset management, UN DESA helps governments and global stakeholders strengthen resilience, mobilize resources, and implement policies that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

📌 Background and Context

The Development Cooperation Forum (DCF), a core function of ECOSOC, reviews global development cooperation trends, identifies emerging challenges, and provides actionable guidance to policymakers and practitioners.

Meanwhile, the UN’s capacity development initiative on infrastructure asset management (IAM) helps national and local governments manage critical infrastructure in a way that enhances resilience, accessibility, and sustainability across the asset lifecycle.

Interns will directly contribute to these efforts, gaining exposure to policy research, international negotiations, and high-level intergovernmental meetings.

🛠️ Duties and Responsibilities

As an Economic Affairs Intern, you will:

Conduct research for policy papers and contribute to data collection on development cooperation and sustainable development.
Prepare briefing notes, talking points, and policy summaries for senior UN officials.
Assist in disseminating DCF recommendations through social media, blogs, and press content.
Support the preparation and follow-up of training workshops on infrastructure asset management.
Take notes during preparatory meetings and workshops, compile summaries, and provide analytical inputs.
Follow intergovernmental meetings and prepare draft reports.
Contribute to outreach activities aimed at making the DCF’s work more accessible to youth and stakeholders.

During the internship, you will gain experience in preparing policy documents, managing outreach campaigns, and supporting high-level global processes, all while working in a diverse international environment.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following:

Currently enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or equivalent graduate programme.
Enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
Recently graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD (within 1 year).

Additional requirements:

Strong academic background in economics, international development, political science, or related fields.
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Fluency in English (knowledge of another UN language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is an asset).
Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

🎁 Benefits

Practical exposure to international policymaking and sustainable development processes.
Hands-on experience drafting policy papers, communication materials, and supporting global forums.
Training in outreach, data analysis, and intergovernmental meeting participation.
Networking opportunities with UN staff, diplomats, and global stakeholders.
A unique chance to understand the operations of the UN Development Cooperation Forum and infrastructure initiatives.

(Please note: This internship is unpaid. Travel, visas, accommodation, and living costs are the responsibility of the intern.)