Internship at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York is currently offering several full-time internships for a duration of 6 months with an extension option, starting on August 1, 2025. The remuneration for these positions is USD 3500 per month (gross salary).

As an intern, you will gather firsthand working experience at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations. You will work closely with our diplomatic staff and gain invaluable insights into the workings and dynamics of the organization and member states at one of the largest Swiss representations abroad. You will be in regular exchange with UN and foreign diplomats, academia and civil society organizations and provide support to the Mission Staff on specific thematic files.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is flexible, resilient, can work under pressure, and is capable of interconnected thinking. Interns at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland will undertake the following tasks and are expected to possess the following general qualifications:

General Qualifications

  • University degree, preferably in the field of international relations, development studies or law
  • Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and topics
  • Strong analytical and reporting skills
  • High trustworthiness and reliability
  • Strong interest and knowledge of current political and geopolitical affairs
  • Strong social skills, networking skills, enjoyment of intercultural exchanges
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Familiarity with the work of the UN is an advantage

Tasks

  • Gathering information, drafting reports and supporting expert diplomats in negotiations on various thematic items
  • Representing the Permanent Mission of Switzerland at formal and informal meetings of the UN, other Missions and NGOs
  • Contributing to the drafting of formal Swiss interventions or communication elements (including for social media)
  • Supporting the organization of events and meetings by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland
  • Performing administrative support tasks as required

The following table gives an overview of the available internships and additional experience and interests we are seeking:

Work areas

Number of internships

Additional qualifications/interests

Duration

Peace and Security

1

  • Strong interest in foreign and security policy with a solid knowledge of current global affairs
  • Knowledge or experience in specific geographic areas such as Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe or the Middle East is an advantage
  • Knowledge or experience in specific thematic areas such as peacebuilding and conflict prevention, protection of civilians (POC), and women, peace and security (WPS) is an advantage
  • Knowledge of the UN, particularly of the Security Council is an advantage

6 months with possible option for extension for another 6 months

Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs

1

  • Strong interest in development and humanitarian affairs
  • Familiarity with Agenda 2030/SDGs and development politics
  • Knowledge of the UN and the work of UN development and humanitarian agencies is an advantage
  • Experience in developing countries, prior work for UN agencies or NGOs is an advantage

6 months with possible option for extension for another 6 months

Human Rights

1

  • Strong interest, good understanding and knowledge of international politics and Swiss foreign policy, particularly in areas related to human rights
  • Knowledge of international human rights law and the UN, in particular the human rights architecture/instruments is an advantage
  • Strong interest for multilateral negotiations
  • Prior experience in the field of human rights is an advantage

6 months with possible option for extension for another 6 months

Requirements

In order to qualify for an internship, candidates must:

  • Be Swiss citizens or reside in Switzerland and have a valid Swiss residency and work permit card valid for the entire duration of employment. Please highlight Swiss citizenship or work permit category on CV.
  • Possess excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
  • Speak and write fluently French, German or Italian, with passive knowledge of at least one other official language.
  • Have graduated (bachelor or master) not more than one year before the internship start date.

More details on the requirements are available here.

Application process

Please apply by e-mail only and send all documents in a single, combined PDF file. In order to process your application in a timely manner, please write in the email subject line your “LAST NAME First Name – [Work area] Internship" – example: MUSTERMANN Erika – Human Rights Internship.

Any interviews may be conducted starting the week after the application deadline and no later than 6 weeks after the application deadline. The selection process includes a short set of tests.

Applications must be in English and include:

  • Cover page of your application package with the following information:
    o Name
    o Language knowledge in English, German, French, Italian and any other language (using the codes “Native” / “Fluent” / “Intermediate” / “Basic”)
    o Degree(s) including graduation date or expected graduation date
    o Position / Work area you are applying for
  • Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
  • Curriculum vitae (must indicate Swiss citizenship or Swiss work permit category)
  • University transcript(s) and diploma(s)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Send the application package to: newyork.uninterns@eda.admin.ch.

The application deadline is: Sunday, May 4, 2025.