Established in 1946, the UN Information Center is responsible for US/UN issues and serves as a liaison to Congress, the US government and foundations in Washington as well as to the media, academic institutions and public across the United States. The Center includes a small reference library that houses official UN documents as well as other materials published by the United Nations. The office also supports high-level visitors from headquarters and field offices around the world.
UNIC’s internship program presents an enormous opportunity for college students and post-graduates seeking a challenging work experience in international relations. The Center accepts interns three times a year (Fall, Winter/Spring and Summer) with deadlines posted on the website on a unpaid basis for a period of three months or more.
UNIC interns have a broad range of responsibilities that include everything from representing the office at Washington events to fielding public inquiries. As part of the program, interns attend Capitol Hill hearings and NGO/think tank briefings on a variety of international subjects and report back to the office and UN headquarters on what was said. UNIC works with each intern to enable him/her to attend meetings on topics of particular interest.
Another facet of the internship program involves monitoring international and regional news and keeping UNIC abreast of important UN-related developments. In addition to these primary responsibilities, interns are responsible for assisting with UN events, outreach and public inquiries. They are also given the opportunity to assist with visits of UN officials and conduct research for UN staff and projects. Likewise, interns are expected to assist with some administrative duties and contribute to the day-to-day functioning of the office.
Summer applications are due March 15. For more information and to apply, visit www.unicwash.org/Internships.aspx.
