United Nations Secretariat Internship 2026 – Risk Management and Business Continuity
United Nations Secretariat
Role description
The United Nations Secretariat invites eligible students and recent graduates to apply for the Intern – Risk Management and Business Continuity Unit position. The internship focuses on enterprise risk management communication, risk awareness, knowledge sharing, and the development of communication resources supporting the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Job Overview
Employer: United Nations Secretariat Position: Intern – Risk Management and Business Continuity Unit Job Opening ID: 286674 Job Category: Internship Employment Type: Internship Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Work Arrangement: Remote Duration: 6 months Required Experience: Not required Date Posted: October 26, 2026 Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 Remuneration: Unpaid
About the Organization
The United Nations Secretariat is one of the principal organs of the United Nations, supporting the implementation of the organization's mandates and activities. This internship supports enterprise risk management communication and awareness initiatives associated with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will work under the supervision of the designated supervisor and contribute to the following activities.
1. Risk Communication Framework and Toolkit
Assist in developing a practical Risk Communication Guide and supporting toolkit. Help prepare a stakeholder and audience map for targeted risk communication. Support the development of communication templates, including risk briefs, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and key messages.
2. Risk Awareness and Engagement
Contribute to a Risk and Resilience Pulse/Insight bulletin. Assist in developing and piloting a Risk Blog to share lessons learned, emerging risks, and good practices. Prepare 2–3 initial articles or posts for the Risk Blog.
3. Knowledge Management and Sustainability
Help organize and maintain approved risk communication resources on the ERM SharePoint or intranet. Contribute to a three-month editorial calendar for risk communication activities. Prepare an end-of-assignment handover package containing communication products, editable source files, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuity.
All materials will be prepared using approved information and reviewed by the designated supervisor and, where applicable, the Communications Section.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational requirements:
Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme, such as a master's degree or equivalent, or a higher degree. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Applicants must provide proof of their eligibility and may be required to submit an official certificate at a later stage.
Preferred Fields of Study
A background in one or more of the following fields is desirable:
Communication or strategic communication Journalism or media studies Public relations Knowledge management Business or public administration Organizational communication Risk management A related discipline
Experience and Skills
Professional work experience is not required. Experience drafting newsletters, articles, briefs, presentations, or awareness materials is desirable.
Language Requirements
English: Fluency in spoken and written English is required. French or another official UN language: Knowledge is an advantage.
The six official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Internship Conditions
The internship is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses, or must have these costs covered by a sponsoring institution. Non-citizens or non-permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need appropriate visa and work authorization. Applicants who have previously completed a UN internship should provide details of the UN entity and dates in their application. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be requested during the recruitment and selection process.
Job Overview
Employer: United Nations Secretariat Position: Intern – Risk Management and Business Continuity Unit Job Opening ID: 286674 Job Category: Internship Employment Type: Internship Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Work Arrangement: Remote Duration: 6 months Required Experience: Not required Date Posted: October 26, 2026 Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 Remuneration: Unpaid
About the Organization
The United Nations Secretariat is one of the principal organs of the United Nations, supporting the implementation of the organization's mandates and activities. This internship supports enterprise risk management communication and awareness initiatives associated with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will work under the supervision of the designated supervisor and contribute to the following activities.
1. Risk Communication Framework and Toolkit
Assist in developing a practical Risk Communication Guide and supporting toolkit. Help prepare a stakeholder and audience map for targeted risk communication. Support the development of communication templates, including risk briefs, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and key messages.
2. Risk Awareness and Engagement
Contribute to a Risk and Resilience Pulse/Insight bulletin. Assist in developing and piloting a Risk Blog to share lessons learned, emerging risks, and good practices. Prepare 2–3 initial articles or posts for the Risk Blog.
3. Knowledge Management and Sustainability
Help organize and maintain approved risk communication resources on the ERM SharePoint or intranet. Contribute to a three-month editorial calendar for risk communication activities. Prepare an end-of-assignment handover package containing communication products, editable source files, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuity.
All materials will be prepared using approved information and reviewed by the designated supervisor and, where applicable, the Communications Section.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational requirements:
Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme, such as a master's degree or equivalent, or a higher degree. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Applicants must provide proof of their eligibility and may be required to submit an official certificate at a later stage.
Preferred Fields of Study
A background in one or more of the following fields is desirable:
Communication or strategic communication Journalism or media studies Public relations Knowledge management Business or public administration Organizational communication Risk management A related discipline
Experience and Skills
Professional work experience is not required. Experience drafting newsletters, articles, briefs, presentations, or awareness materials is desirable.
Language Requirements
English: Fluency in spoken and written English is required. French or another official UN language: Knowledge is an advantage.
The six official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Internship Conditions
The internship is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses, or must have these costs covered by a sponsoring institution. Non-citizens or non-permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need appropriate visa and work authorization. Applicants who have previously completed a UN internship should provide details of the UN entity and dates in their application. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be requested during the recruitment and selection process.