Partnerships Intern

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

Not Required - part of GPO/NYPO

The New York Board and External Relations Office (NYBER) is responsible for fulfilling UNOPS intergovernmental affairs and external relations functions on behalf of UNOPS. The team manages the arrangements for (a) the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board governance over UNOPS; (b) the Organization's relationship with the rest of the UN; and (c) its interaction with UN Member States and positioning of UNOPS in legislative and other instruments and documents.

NYBER positions UNOPS and its Executive Director with a view to increase or enhance UNOPS influence and organisational outreach through various strategic events, initiatives and dialogues. The Office also supports the organization on UN system-wide issues and reforms that require inter-agency collaboration and coordination, including the repositioning of the UN development system and broader efforts under the UN80 Initiative. The Office further supports liaising with Member States and agencies headquartered in multilateral capitals, as needed, on host country agreements and the accreditation of UNOPS representatives, as well as representing the organization in UN Inter-Agency Working Groups. In close proximity to a number of UN entity headquarters, the Office is also responsible for interaction with the UN Funds and Programmes such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN-Women. 

The role is designed to gain practical experience in UN governance, diplomacy, and external relations, while contributing to the effective delivery of protocol, logistical, analytical, and coordination support across a wide range of interagency and stakeholder engagements. 

1. Support to UN Intergovernmental Processes

• Monitor and report on developments across key UN intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC, Security Council, Commission on the Status of Women, and Commission on Population and Development, as well as other relevant fora

• Assist in drafting briefing notes and analytical reports, including identifying trends and emerging priorities

2. Support to High-Level Week (UN General Assembly, September 2026)

• Assist in preparations for High-Level Week, including facilitating accreditation and access procedures for delegation members and coordinating room bookings, materials preparation, and guest management

• Provide real-time troubleshooting support as schedules evolve and urgent requests arise

• Take notes during meetings and prepare concise summaries or readouts for internal use

3. Support to Side Events and stakeholder engagement

• Support the organization of side events on the margins of major intergovernmental processes in New York, including drafting and disseminating communication materials and conducting outreach to Permanent Missions and UN stakeholders

Executive Board Support

4. Support to Executive Board meetings

• Provide logistical and administrative support for formal and informal Executive Board meetings, including technical coordination and note-taking

• Support protocol-related tasks during Board sessions, including managing the speakers’ list and facilitating smooth proceedings during formal meetings

Support on protocol matters

5. Bilateral engagements and delegation support

• Assist in the preparation of bilateral meetings by compiling background materials and preparing profiles/CVs of counterparts

• Coordinate logistical arrangements for visiting UNOPS delegations in New York, including booking conference rooms and facilitating building access

6. Event protocol and on-site support

• Assist in organizing protocol aspects of official events, including seating arrangements, order of precedence, and guest coordination

• Provide on-site support during high-level visits and meetings, ensuring smooth execution of logistical and protocol requirements

• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent's scope of services above.

Required:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

• To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate should have studied or be studying towards a university degree preferably in: developmental studies, political science, international relations or related field.

• Experience in the field of intergovernmental affairs, diplomatic missions, communications, and/or partnerships in an intergovernmental organization will be considered an asset. 
• Excellent report writing skills are an asset. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and software packages (Google Suite/Workspace Office) and experience in handling web-based systems is desirable.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here [link removed]. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click here. [link removed]
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.