UN Internship Working Time
Be selected for a UN Internship Program is a dream for many! Understandably, since working at the UN combines prestigious and a wide range of benefits with meaningful work that can help billions of people around the world. In addition, interning at the UN means developing a global career with a global reach, in a multicultural and pleasant environment; you will be able to construct influential networks and receive encouragement to develop professionally.
In this article, we will take a look at the working hours in a UN System Internship.
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Working Time in a UN System Internship
Following appointment in the selection process, interns have the opportunity to learn about the UN System organizations` operational routines at close range and are allocated to a specific sector/department, according to their specialties and professional background. The following doubts may arise at this stage: how will my working day be defined? Will I have to work the same number of hours as staff members?
Generally speaking, internship opportunities have two types of working hours: a) full-time and b) part-time.
Full-time internships have working hours that vary between 30 and 40 hours per week. This assumes that those selected will usually work 5 days per week, from Monday to Friday, like the agency`s staff members. However, there are cases where you may be required to work on Saturdays, dependent on the agency`s needs. The exact working hours vary according to the agency. On average, the working day usually starts at 9:00 am and ends at 5.00 pm or 6.00 pm.
In turn, part-time internships are characterized as having flexible or part-time working hours. The exact working hours are defined in the job advertisement or, in other cases, following the candidate`s appointment, in order to adjust to the organization`s demands and each person`s availability. In the case of part-time vacancies, restrictions that prevent the selected candidate from working at another organization to supplement their income are not imposed. However, it is recommended that the appointed candidate clarifies any doubts directly with the respective organization during the selection process.
Lastly, there may also be organizations that offer both full and part-time vacancies, or that adjust the contract according to the intern`s needs and interests. However, organizations usually prefer interns who are willing to work full-time, bearing in mind that they will generate a higher return in terms of productivity, as well as the possibility of tackling more challenges in practice and maximizing their professional learning.
The following table presents a summary of full and part-time opportunities, or that fit into more than one category.
| UN System internship Working Hours | |
|---|---|
| Fulltime | Fulltime or Part-Time |
| FAO IAEA ICAO IFC IFAD IMO IMF IOM OPCW CTBTO ITU UNISDR UNRWA WHO UNFPA UN Secretariat UNCTAD UNEP UN-Habitat UNIDO UNODC UNAIDS UNHCR WFP UPU WB WIPO UNWTO WTO UNSSC GAVI Alliance INTRACEN – ITC UNFCCC ICC JIU | ICSID ILO UN Women UNDP UNICEF UNESCO UNOPS UN Foundation |
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