Security Sector Reform Intern – Country Backstopping

About the role

The Security Sector Reform (SSR) Unit of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations is seeking an intern to support country‑backstopping activities. The role offers exposure to UN peace operations, security council processes, and the development of guidance tools for inclusive security institutions.

Key responsibilities

• Support country‑ and region‑specific activities, including scheduling meetings, attending Security Council sessions, taking notes and preparing readouts.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on best practices and lessons learned for SSR guidance tools.
• Gather, analyse, and present information from diverse sources.
• Assist in drafting briefing documents, reports, and communication products.
• Manage data and information repositories.
• Help organise expert consultations, Member State engagements, and the annual senior SSR practitioners meeting.

Required profile

• Enrolled in or completed a graduate programme, or in the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
• Ability to draft news articles or social‑media posts and to design surveys and polls.
• No prior professional experience required.

Required skills

• MS Word
• MS PowerPoint
• MS Teams
• News article drafting
• Social‑media posting
• Survey design
• Poll design

What we offer

• Unpaid, full‑time (35 hours/week) internship with the possibility of part‑time or remote arrangements.
• Opportunity to work within the UN Secretariat and gain experience in peacekeeping and security sector reform.