Intern – Indigenous Peoples Development (UN DESA)

About the role

This internship is based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, within the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The intern will support the Indigenous Peoples Development Branch – Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, reporting to the Social Affairs Officer.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the successful delivery of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples event.
• Prepare inputs and briefing materials for the Expert Group Meeting and other relevant meetings.
• Draft key messages and content for social media platforms.
• Update and maintain website content related to Indigenous Peoples.
• Provide general administrative support to the branch as needed.

Required profile

• Enrolled in or having completed the final year of a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or Ph.D. programme, or hold an equivalent graduate qualification.
• Field of study closely related to social development, indigenous peoples, or related areas.
• Fluency in spoken and written English (required); knowledge of French or another UN official language is an advantage.
• Ability to provide official proof of enrollment or qualification when requested.

Required skills

What we offer

• Unpaid internship – costs for travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.
• Opportunity to work within a UN division focused on inclusive social development and gain experience on high‑profile international events.