Application Guide

How to Apply for Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Intern

at DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

🏢 About DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

DESA is the UN's central hub for economic and social development policy, directly supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Working here offers unique exposure to global policymaking and the inner workings of the UN Secretariat, with opportunities to contribute to international cooperation on critical issues like poverty reduction, climate action, and social inclusion.

About This Role

This intern will support the Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) in strengthening DESA's capacity to track and assess its development programs. You'll assist in producing monitoring reports and coordinating annual program plans, directly contributing to the accountability and effectiveness of UN development work.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve assisting with data collection from DESA subprograms, helping draft sections of monitoring reports, attending coordination meetings with different offices, and supporting the preparation of program evaluation materials. You'll work closely with PMEU staff to ensure DESA's development initiatives are properly tracked and assessed.

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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 graduated from a graduate program in international development, public administration, economics, or a related field with coursework in monitoring & evaluation
  • Has practical experience with data collection, analysis, and report writing, ideally related to development programs or policy
  • Demonstrates strong understanding of UN sustainable development goals and DESA's mandate
  • Possesses excellent organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively across different UN subprograms

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

1

Explicitly mention any experience with UN-style program planning documents or results-based management frameworks

2

Highlight specific coursework or projects related to monitoring & evaluation of development programs, not just general research

3

Tailor your application to DESA's specific mandate - reference their work on sustainable development goals rather than generic UN work

4

If you have experience with data visualization tools for reporting (like Power BI, Tableau), mention this specifically

5

Address the hybrid work possibility directly if relevant - show flexibility while expressing commitment to in-person collaboration

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of DESA's role in the UN development system and why monitoring & evaluation is crucial for their work", "Specific skills in data analysis, report writing, and program coordination that match PMEU's responsibilities", 'How your academic background prepares you for the technical aspects of program monitoring in a development context', 'Your ability to work in a multicultural environment and contribute to Department-wide initiatives']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → DESA's specific subprograms and recent flagship reports (like the World Economic Situation and Prospects)
  • → The Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit's recent work and how it fits within OUSG
  • → UN's Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) and how it affects DESA's programming
  • → Current DESA initiatives related to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with monitoring frameworks for development programs
2 How would you approach coordinating inputs from multiple subprograms for an annual report?
3 What do you see as the biggest challenges in evaluating the impact of DESA's work?
4 How familiar are you with UN program planning documents and results-based management?
5 Can you discuss a time you had to analyze complex data and present it clearly to stakeholders?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic UN application without specific references to DESA's economic and social development mandate
  • Focusing only on research skills without demonstrating practical monitoring & evaluation experience
  • Failing to show understanding of how this internship fits within the larger UN development system architecture

📅 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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