The Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations System (JIU) offers a Research Internship Programme for students and graduates interested in research, evaluation, policy analysis, international relations and the wider work of the United Nations system.

JIU research interns perform duties similar to those of a Research Assistant, supporting Evaluation and Inspection Officers and Inspectors working on reviews included in the Unit’s annual programme of work.

The internship can involve desk research, comparative analysis, questionnaire preparation, interviews, statistical analysis, data visualization and drafting. It may therefore be particularly relevant to candidates interested in combining research, data analysis and international public-sector work.

Importantly, the official JIU information states that interns are not paid.

Detail	Information
Organization	Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations System (JIU)
Organization System	United Nations
Opportunity	Research Internship Programme
Career Area	Research, Evaluation and Analysis
Target Group	Eligible university students and graduates
Education	Bachelor’s final-year students or graduate-level students/graduates
Experience Required	Prior work experience is useful but not required
Language	Fluency in English
Other UN Languages	An asset
Key Tools	Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Research Skills	Web research and online databases
Salary/Stipend	Unpaid
Travel Costs	Intern’s responsibility
Accommodation	Intern’s responsibility
Visa	Intern’s responsibility
Medical Insurance	Required for successful candidates
Application	Online through UN Careers

About the Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations System

The Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations System is part of the UN system and offers internship opportunities designed to help qualified students gain practical exposure to its work.

JIU has two internship streams:

Research
Information Technology

The Research Internship Programme provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in evaluation research, while the IT programme focuses on information technology-related work.

For candidates interested in research and analysis, the Research Internship is particularly relevant because interns work alongside teams supporting JIU reviews and other activities connected to the Unit’s programme of work.

What Does a JIU Research Intern Do?

Research interns undertake duties similar to those expected from a Research Assistant.

They support a team working on a specific report under the supervision of an Evaluation and Inspection Officer.

Their work helps Inspectors conduct research connected to projects included in JIU’s annual programme of work.

Depending on current projects, interns may also support preparations for future work programmes and other internal activities.

Research and Analysis Responsibilities

A Research Intern would normally be assigned to one or two JIU reviews.

Responsibilities can include:

Conducting desk research
Reviewing background and supporting documentation
Contributing to drafting
Analysing key issues related to a review
Conducting comparative analysis
Reviewing the work of participating organizations
Preparing questionnaires
Developing interview guides
Analysing information received
Participating in interviews
Preparing interview minutes
Developing analytical charts
Creating graphs
Preparing tables
Supporting statistical analysis

These responsibilities make the internship particularly relevant for students interested in research, monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, international development and data analysis.

Comparative Analysis Across UN Organizations

One important part of the internship can involve comparative analysis.

According to JIU, interns may contribute to reviews involving comparison of work across its 25 participating organizations.

This may require interns to examine documentation from different organizations, identify trends and differences, analyse responses and present findings in a structured format.

It provides practical exposure to how research and evidence can be used to assess management, administration and other issues across organizations in the United Nations system.

Data Analysis Responsibilities

The internship is not advertised specifically as a “Data Analyst Internship,” but several responsibilities involve analytical work.

Interns may work with:

Statistical information
Organizational responses
Trends
Tables
Charts
Graphs
Excel databases
Comparative datasets
Secondary information

Candidates should therefore be comfortable organising information and translating research findings into clear analytical outputs.

Management Assessments

Research interns may also be assigned to prepare management assessments of selected JIU organizations.

This can involve researching the organization and analysing recent developments in:

Management
Administration
Organizational operations

The work requires interns to understand organizational developments and synthesize information from different sources.

Reviewing Implementation of JIU Reports

Another possible responsibility involves reviewing follow-up information submitted by participating organizations concerning implementation of JIU reports.

This work can require:

Analysing organizational responses
Identifying trends
Conducting statistical analysis
Reviewing supporting secondary information

This provides interns with experience in tracking how recommendations and findings are addressed across participating organizations.

Winter Session Responsibilities

Interns joining JIU between October and the end of January may also have an opportunity to support preparations for the Winter Session of the Inspectors.

Possible responsibilities include:

Researching proposals
Validating proposals
Liaising with participating organizations
Liaising with coordinating bodies
Liaising with oversight bodies within the UN system
Supporting preliminary work for the Annual Programme of Work
Assisting the Programme of Work coordinator

Actual assignments depend on the Unit’s work programme at the time of the internship.

Who Can Apply?

JIU provides a broad list of academic and professional backgrounds relevant to its Research and IT internship programmes.

Candidates with backgrounds in areas such as the following may be considered:

Evaluation
Management
Public administration
International law
Finance
Development economics
International relations
Political science
Social sciences
Related disciplines

JIU also encourages candidates with backgrounds in areas including:

Inter-agency coordination
Human rights
Humanitarian assistance
Project management
Programme fund management
Programme analysis
Policy analysis
Development assistance

Candidates should consider how their academic background and skills relate to the Unit’s research, evaluation and analysis work.

Education Requirements

The internship programme is intended for students who meet one of the following conditions:

Graduate Students or Graduates

Applicants may be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme, meaning a second university degree or equivalent, or higher.

Final-Year Bachelor’s Students or Graduates

Applicants may also be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme, at minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent.

This makes the programme accessible to eligible candidates at different stages of higher education.

Is Previous Work Experience Required?

No.

JIU states that prior work experience is useful but is not a prerequisite.

This makes the Research Internship particularly interesting for students and recent graduates seeking early professional exposure to the United Nations system.

Applicants should still demonstrate relevant academic, research and technical skills in their application.

Research Skills Required

Applicants should be fully proficient in web-based research.

This includes experience using:

Online databases
Digital research resources
Web-based information sources

These capabilities are especially important because research interns may conduct desk reviews and analyse documentation from multiple organizations.

Microsoft Excel Skills

Applicants should have experience using:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint

For Excel specifically, JIU expects candidates to be able to prepare tables and charts and maintain and update databases.

Candidates interested in the Research Internship should therefore highlight practical experience working with spreadsheets and analytical information.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be fluent in English, including:

Reading
Writing
Understanding
Speaking

Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an asset.

Other official UN languages listed by JIU include:

Arabic
Chinese
French
Russian
Spanish

Knowledge of an additional language can strengthen an application, although the source does not state that a second UN language is mandatory.

JIU Information Technology Internship

JIU also operates an Information Technology Internship Programme.

Depending on ongoing projects, the Unit’s IT strategy and the candidate’s qualifications, IT interns may support areas such as:

Software development
Web design
Windows application support
Application installation
IT equipment configuration
Networking
Other IT-related activities

Advanced IT skills are specifically required for candidates applying to the IT internship stream.

Is the JIU Research Internship Paid?

No.

JIU explicitly states:

Interns are not paid.

Applicants should therefore plan their finances carefully before accepting an internship.

The official information also states that the costs associated with visas, travel arrangements and living accommodation are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Does JIU Pay for Accommodation?

No accommodation funding is stated in the supplied official information.

Interns are responsible for arranging and financing their own living accommodation or obtaining support from a sponsoring institution.

Applicants should therefore consider living costs before accepting an internship opportunity.

Travel and Visa Costs

JIU does not state that it pays these expenses.

The acquisition of necessary visas, travel costs and travel arrangements are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Candidates should investigate applicable immigration requirements after receiving the appropriate instructions associated with their internship.

Medical Insurance Requirement

Successful candidates must be able to provide proof of enrolment in medical insurance valid in Switzerland.

They must also provide a medical certificate confirming that they are in good health.

Candidates should account for these requirements when planning for the internship.

Why Consider the JIU Research Internship?

Although the programme is unpaid, it provides an opportunity to gain practical exposure to research within the United Nations system.

Interns may gain experience in:

United Nations research
Evaluation
Policy analysis
Comparative analysis
Data analysis
Statistical analysis
International organizations
Report preparation
Interviews
Questionnaire development
Data visualization
Organizational assessment

The programme can be particularly relevant to students seeking careers in international organizations, research institutions, government, NGOs, development organizations and policy-related fields.

Who Should Apply?

This internship may be particularly suitable for candidates who:

Enjoy conducting research
Have strong analytical skills
Are comfortable working with Excel
Can interpret large amounts of information
Have strong written English
Are interested in the United Nations system
Want experience in evaluation or policy research
Can create charts and tables
Have experience using online research databases
Are studying international relations, economics, public administration, political science or related fields

Candidates interested in monitoring and evaluation, research analysis and evidence-based policymaking may also find the programme relevant.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Applicants should tailor their application around the actual responsibilities described by JIU.

Rather than simply saying that you are interested in the United Nations, demonstrate relevant capabilities.

For example, highlight experience with:

Research: Academic research, dissertations, research projects, literature reviews or desk research.

Analysis: Statistical analysis, policy analysis, programme evaluation or comparative analysis.

Excel: Tables, charts, data cleaning, database maintenance or statistical work.

Writing: Reports, research papers, policy briefs or analytical assignments.

Communication: Interviews, presentations, stakeholder engagement or teamwork.

Your application should clearly connect these capabilities to JIU’s work.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online according to the instructions provided through the relevant UN Careers vacancy.

Applicants should carefully review the current vacancy before submitting because vacancy-specific requirements can supplement the general JIU internship requirements.

Do not rely solely on older internship advertisements when preparing an application.

Application Deadline

The general JIU Internship Programme information supplied does not provide a current universal application deadline.

Applicants should check the relevant UN Careers vacancy for the applicable closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JIU Research Internship?

It is an internship programme with the Joint Inspection Unit of the United Nations System that allows eligible students and graduates to support research, evaluation and inspection-related work.

Is the JIU Research Internship paid?

No. JIU explicitly states that interns are not paid.

Is previous work experience required?

No. Prior work experience can be useful, but JIU states that it is not a prerequisite.

Can Bachelor’s students apply?

Eligible candidates may be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme at Bachelor’s level or equivalent.

Can Master’s students apply?

Yes. Students enrolled in or who have completed a graduate school programme can meet the stated education criteria.

Can graduates apply?

Yes, provided they meet the academic conditions described by the internship programme.

Is English required?

Yes. Applicants must be fluent in English in reading, writing, understanding and speaking.

Is French required?

No. Knowledge of another official UN language, including French, is considered an asset rather than stated as a mandatory requirement.

Do I need Excel skills?

Yes. JIU expects candidates to have experience with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including preparing tables and charts and maintaining databases in Excel.

Is this a Data Analyst internship?

Not specifically. It is a Research Internship Programme, although some duties involve statistical analysis, trend analysis, comparative analysis, Excel databases, charts, graphs and tables.

Does JIU pay for travel?

No travel funding is stated. Travel costs and arrangements are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Does JIU provide accommodation?

The official information states that living accommodation is the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

Is medical insurance required?

Successful candidates should be able to provide proof of medical insurance valid in Switzerland and a medical certificate confirming good health.

How do I apply?

Candidates should follow the online application instructions provided through the relevant UN Careers vacancy.

Conclusion

The JIU Research Internship Programme offers eligible university students and graduates an opportunity to gain research and analytical experience within the United Nations system.

Interns can contribute to desk research, comparative analysis, questionnaires, interviews, report preparation, statistical analysis, charts, graphs and assessments while working under the supervision of an Evaluation and Inspection Officer.

One particularly attractive feature for early-career candidates is that previous work experience is not required, although relevant research and analytical capabilities are important.

Applicants should also understand the financial conditions before applying: JIU interns are unpaid, and interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for visa arrangements, travel costs and accommodation.

For students interested in research, evaluation, policy analysis, international relations and the work of international organizations, the programme can nevertheless provide valuable practical exposure to the United Nations system.

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