Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Statistics Division

at DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

🏢 About DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DESA's Statistics Division (UNSD) is the UN's central hub for global statistical standards and data coordination, uniquely positioned to influence how countries worldwide measure progress on sustainable development. Working here offers direct exposure to international statistical methodologies and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, providing unparalleled experience in global economic and social data systems.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting statisticians across various UNSD branches in New York, contributing to data analysis, methodological research, or statistical publications related to global indicators. The role is impactful because you'll help produce official UN statistics that inform international policy decisions on critical issues like poverty, gender equality, and climate change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing country-submitted data using statistical software, assisting with methodological research for upcoming UN statistical guidelines, and participating in team meetings where international data quality issues are discussed. You could be preparing visualizations for global reports or helping organize data for UN statistical databases.

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🎯 Who DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Is Looking For

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a statistics, economics, data science, or related quantitative master's/PhD program
  • Has practical experience with statistical software (R, Python, Stata, or SPSS) and data visualization tools
  • Demonstrates understanding of international statistical frameworks like SDG indicators or SNA (System of National Accounts)
  • Shows genuine interest in UN's mission and ability to work in multicultural teams

📝 Tips for Applying to DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

1

Explicitly mention your availability for the 2-6 month duration and whether you can work in-person in NYC or need remote arrangements

2

Highlight any experience with UN statistical publications or databases (UNdata, SDG indicators database, etc.)

3

Tailor your application to specific UNSD branches (demographic, environmental, economic statistics) based on your background

4

Address the unpaid nature professionally by emphasizing learning objectives rather than compensation

5

Include concrete examples of statistical projects, especially those involving large datasets or international comparisons

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific statistical skills and how they align with UNSD's work areas (e.g., demographic analysis, environmental statistics, economic indicators)", "Understanding of UN's role in global statistical coordination and why DESA's work matters", 'Flexibility regarding work arrangements (in-person/remote) and duration (2-6 months)', 'How this internship fits into your career goals in international statistics or development']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review UNSD's recent flagship publications (World Statistics Pocketbook, SDG Progress Report)
  • → Study the specific statistical standards UNSD maintains (e.g., SNA, environmental-economic accounting)
  • → Explore the UNdata portal and understand what datasets UNSD manages
  • → Learn about the UN Statistical Commission and UNSD's role in it

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with statistical software and how you've applied it to real data problems
2 What do you know about UNSD's current initiatives or publications?
3 How would you handle working with data from countries with different statistical capacities?
4 Discuss a statistical concept or method relevant to SDG indicators
5 How do you ensure accuracy and transparency in statistical work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as just another internship without showing specific knowledge of UN statistical work
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating understanding of UN's multilateral context
  • Being inflexible about the unpaid nature or work arrangements (in-person/remote options)

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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