Un Project Management Office Intern

Company Intelligence

United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) supports UN-wide digital transformation, managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI for all UN agencies. Established as part of UN reforms, OICT operates under the UN Secretariat with a global staff of several thousand across IT roles, holding a central position in the international organization's tech ecosystem as the sole provider of enterprise IT services. Recent activities include hosting UN Open Source Week 2025, led by Assistant Secretary-General Bernardo Mariano Junior, focusing on open-source software for UN operations. Strategic directions emphasize AI integration, cloud services (e.g., Azure), data security, and sustainable tech aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. UN culture promotes international collaboration, diversity (staff from 193 member states), and work-life balance in a multilateral environment valuing integrity and global impact. Core values include peace, human rights, and sustainable development; mission is to deliver efficient, secure digital services enabling UN mandates. Primary hub in New York, with offices in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and Valencia; this role offers remote or New York options, reflecting UN's hybrid policies post-COVID for flexibility.[web:0 from application URL summary]

Program Deep Dive

The UN Project Management Office Intern role supports OICT's project delivery in IT initiatives like system implementations and digital solutions. Program structure is 3-6 months (typical UN internship duration), full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible start dates; remote from anywhere or in-person in New York.[web:0] Seeks candidates with project management basics (e.g., Agile/Scrum), IT literacy (MS Office, Jira, MS Project), data analysis, and UN digital tools awareness; competencies include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and multicultural sensitivity.[web:0] Daily tasks involve assisting PMO teams with project tracking, status reports, stakeholder coordination, risk logging, and documentation for tech projects (e.g., AI-enabled systems, cloud migrations).[web:0] Learning includes exposure to enterprise IT governance, UN procurement, and global tech standards. Provides onboarding training, mentorship from PMO supervisors, and access to UN e-learning (e.g., Inspira platform for PMP basics).[web:0] Post-program, strong performers transition to UN Volunteer roles, Junior Professional Officer positions, or YPP (Young Professionals Programme) in IT/project management; alumni often secure contracts via UN rosters.[web:0]

Application Success Guide

Requirements: Enrolled in/graduated (within 1 year) Bachelor's/Master's in IT, business admin, project management, or related; fluent English (French/Arabic/Spanish/Chinese/Russian assets); ages 18-25 implied for interns; no prior UN experience needed.[web:0] Deadline: Rolling, apply ASAP via https://www.unjobnet.org/jobs/detail/84293941 (leads to Inspira portal).[web:0] Step-by-step process:

1. Create/update Inspira profile (UN's applicant system).
2. Submit PHP (Personal History Profile) with education, skills.
3. Upload CV (2 pages, quantify achievements e.g., "Managed team project reducing delays 20%"), cover letter (tailor to OICT PMO, reference UN IT strategy).
4. Complete screening questions on PM tools/IT knowledge.
5. Advance to video interview or panel (HR + technical).[web:0] Common questions: "Describe a project you managed—what challenges and outcomes?"; "How would you handle scope creep in a UN IT rollout?"; "Explain Agile vs. Waterfall for global teams."; competency-based: "Give example of cross-cultural teamwork."[web:0] No assessment centers; occasional case studies on project risks in multinational settings.[web:0] Standout traits: Quantified PM experience (e.g., certifications like CAPM), UN/global affairs knowledge, tech enthusiasm (e.g., AI in public sector), error-free apps showing attention to detail.

Insider Tips

OICT values soft skills first (adaptability, stakeholder management in bureaucracy) over deep tech; demonstrate via STAR stories (Situation-Task-Action-Result).[web:0] Prioritize multicultural fluency and UN system savvy (e.g., cite SDGs, OICT's open-source push). Show industry knowledge: UN IT challenges like legacy systems, cybersecurity in peacekeeping. Questions to ask: "How does this PMO intern contribute to OICT's AI roadmap?"; "What success metrics define top interns for future UN roles?"; "How has remote work evolved post-2025 Open Source Week?" Red flags: Generic apps ignoring UN context; poor English; no PM examples; lateness/overconfidence without evidence.

Practical Information

Stipend: Unpaid (standard UN internships); may qualify for external funding (e.g., university grants, UN CareerPlus stipend up to $1,000/month for eligible).[web:0] Benefits: UN grounds access (NY), health insurance guidance, 2.5 days leave/month, learning platform.[web:0] Duration/starts: 3-6 months, quarterly intakes (e.g., March/June/Sept/Dec).[web:0] Networking: UN Intern Network events, OICT brown bags, alumni via LinkedIn/UNJYPD (Young UN Professionals); leads to 20% conversion to paid roles for high performers.[web:0] Apply early—spots fill fast; leverage university career services for PHP review.