About the Organization
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a division of the United Nations Secretariat that focuses on driving economic and social development across the African continent. The Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS), located within the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD), is responsible for organizing high-level engagements and ensuring the efficient dissemination of information to support regional growth.
The organization upholds values of integrity, professionalism, and dedicated public service. It provides internship opportunities to help cultivate the next generation of professionals by exposing them to international standards, multilateral diplomacy, and essential administrative operations. The workplace culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on achieving high-impact results.
The ECA is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. It believes that innovation is best achieved through teams composed of individuals from varied backgrounds. The organization prioritizes equity and ensures that its internal opportunities are accessible to all qualified individuals.
We strongly encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply for this internship. In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations strives to provide reasonable accommodations to support the participation of all qualified candidates during the recruitment and selection process.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
As an Intern-Meeting Services Assistant, you will be based in the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS), reporting to the Chief of the Conference Planning and Coordination Services Unit (CPCSU) and working under the direct supervision of team supervisors. This role is vital for the smooth execution of international meetings and conferences held at the Economic Commission for Africa.
Your responsibilities will involve coordinating logistics for committees and conferences, including organizing official documentation in the six official UN languages, maintaining speaker records, and drafting routine correspondence. You will play an active role in administrative operations, such as preparing seating arrangements according to UN protocol and managing video and teleconference activities.
Strategic impact is achieved through your support in the voting and election processes, as well as by ensuring that committee reports meet strict UN document standards. You will also assist in knowledge management by collecting and analyzing data, creating visualizations, and updating informational materials like brochures and web pages to support decision-making.
Professional growth is a key component of this internship. You will gain hands-on experience in conference planning, cost estimation, and the maintenance of filing and reference systems. This role offers a unique opportunity for students or recent graduates to build a strong foundation in international administrative support and project coordination within the United Nations.
By responding to queries from delegations and providing training to temporary staff, you will develop essential communication and leadership skills. The internship is designed to be an immersive learning experience where your daily contributions to the success of international meetings will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the United Nations operates on a global scale.
Job Positions and Requirements
Intern-Meeting Services Assistants
Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school degree program (second university degree or higher) or, in countries where higher education is not divided, have completed at least four years of full-time studies towards a degree. Students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent) or those who have already completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program are also eligible to apply. A field of study closely related to the internship is required.
Work Experience: No professional work experience is required for the UN Internship Programme.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations; all travel, visa, accommodation, and living costs are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
No. Required: Not specified.
Employment Type and Compensation
The internship is a full-time, six-month commitment, requiring 34 hours of work per week, five days a week. There is a possibility of extension depending on the needs of the Section. While the position is unpaid, it offers invaluable professional exposure and networking opportunities within the United Nations Secretariat.
Interns are responsible for their own living expenses and arrangements. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Ethiopia may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before accepting the offer. It is recommended that successful candidates discuss their specific visa requirements early in the process.
How to Apply
Candidates must indicate which educational criteria they meet and attach proof of enrollment to their application. Please note that official certificates and documentation will be required at a later stage of the recruitment process. Scanned copies of certificates or attachments are not required during the initial application phase.
The United Nations adheres to a strict policy stating that no fee is charged at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The United Nations does not concern itself with information regarding an applicant’s bank account.
Interested candidates should apply through the official United Nations Careers portal. We encourage applicants to submit their applications promptly to be considered for this professional development opportunity within the Economic Commission for Africa.
Application Deadline
June 14, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested candidates should apply via the United Nations Careers portal under Job Opening ID 278346.
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