Application Guide

How to Apply for Internet governance internship

at DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

🏢 About DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DESA (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) is the UN's central platform for sustainable development, uniquely positioned to shape global economic and social policies. Working here offers direct exposure to UN decision-making processes and the opportunity to contribute to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a multistakeholder platform that influences global internet policy. This remote internship provides access to UN networks while maintaining flexibility.

About This Role

This part-time remote internship supports the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) by managing program platforms (scheduling systems, room reservations), assisting with website functions and design, implementing social media campaigns, and supporting training for remote participation staff. The role directly impacts the IGF's ability to facilitate global discussions on internet governance through technical and administrative support.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning coordination with Geneva colleagues to update the IGF scheduling system, followed by analyzing survey data from national IGF initiatives in the afternoon. You could spend time optimizing website content for upcoming events while simultaneously supporting social media campaign implementation, all while working remotely from your chosen location.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a graduate program in international relations, communications, computer science, or related fields with coursework in internet governance or digital policy
  • Has practical experience with website management tools, survey platforms (like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms), and social media campaign execution
  • Demonstrates understanding of multistakeholder processes and the IGF's role in global internet governance discussions
  • Can work independently in a remote setting while coordinating with Geneva-based teams across time zones

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

1

Explicitly mention your experience with remote collaboration tools and time management in distributed teams, since this is a remote position supporting Geneva operations

2

Highlight any experience with UN systems or procedures, even if indirect (e.g., Model UN, UN-related coursework, previous work with international organizations)

3

Include specific examples of working with scheduling systems, website content management, or survey tools in your resume - quantify results if possible

4

Research and reference specific IGF initiatives or past meetings in your application to show genuine understanding of their work

5

Emphasize your availability for part-time remote work and mention your time zone if applying from outside Europe

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of the IGF's multistakeholder approach and how your skills can support their program platforms", 'Specific technical experience with website management, survey tools, or remote participation systems relevant to the listed responsibilities', 'How your academic background relates to internet governance or digital policy issues', 'Your ability to work independently in a remote setting while contributing to team goals']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The IGF's current intersessional work and recent annual meeting themes (available on their website)
  • → DESA's specific role within the UN system and its relationship to other internet governance bodies
  • → The IGF's program platforms mentioned in the job description (scheduling system, room reservation system)
  • → UN remote work policies and how they apply to internships

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach improving the user experience of the IGF's interactive scheduling system?
2 Describe your experience with remote collaboration tools and managing projects across different time zones
3 What do you see as the most pressing internet governance issue today, and how does the IGF address it?
4 How would you design a survey to measure participant satisfaction with IGF's remote participation options?
5 Can you walk us through your experience with social media campaigns, particularly for policy-focused audiences?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without understanding the difference between DESA and other UN departments or confusing IGF with other internet governance organizations
  • Submitting generic applications that don't address the specific technical platforms mentioned (scheduling systems, website functions, survey tools)
  • Failing to demonstrate how you'll manage part-time remote work while potentially being in a different time zone than Geneva

📅 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

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs!

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