Back
No image description provided

IO/UNS Newsletter [2/1/22]

Nate Edwards - Tuesday, February 1, 2022
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 
February 1, 2022

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

We hope you had a safe snowy weekend and are enjoying in-person classes once again! We are thrilled to have the chance to see our fellow Seeples after the past few months apart. Also, for those sports fanatics among us, don't forget that the Winter Olympics begin this Friday!

With the return of in-person activities, we have slated a number of exciting events with UN practitioners and experts this semester. Please remember to register early to ensure a seat and feel free to help us spread the word amongst the larger Columbia community!

On February 3rd from 1:00pm-2:00pm Eastern Time, we will be hosting UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, in discussion with SIPA professors Yasmine Ergas and Daniel Naujoks on The Future of the UN's Gender Agenda. You can RSVP here.

Subsequently, on February 9th from 1:00pm-2:00pm Eastern Time Dr. Nina Reiners will share insights from her new book 'Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights' (Cambridge UP, 2022) to show that beneath the surface of the formal access, procedures, and actors of the UN treaty body system, experts and external collaborators play a key role in the development of human rights. You can RSVP here. 

In UN news, today, Catherine Russell succeeded Henrietta H. Fore as UNICEF's new Executive Director.

Additionally, in this newsletter, you will find: 

  • Two Recent MiA Blog Posts
  • UN YPP Application - Feb. 13 Deadline
  • What We’re Listening To
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

**Please note this message is clipped. You can open the message in a new browser to see full event and internship listings.

Daniel, Nate & Yun
IO/UNS Specialization Team


New MiA Blog Posts

Check out two recent publications on Multilateralism in Action.

UN YPP: Apply by February 13

The application period for the 2021-22 YPP exams is now open. Applications will be accepted through 13 February 2022. The UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified professionals to start a career as an international civil servant with the UN Secretariat. This year’s exam topic areas and their corresponding job openings are:

  • Social Affairs/Social Policy and Development: Job Opening #164785
  • Statistics and Data Science: Job Opening #164791

Students who would like to join a student-led study group, connecting with like-minded students who are also planning to take the exam, please submit your interest here!

If you plan to apply, we recommend creating an account on Inspira as soon as possible as it might take some time to set it up. Please feel free to review some of the UN YPP resources:

SIPA Panel on the YPP   ­ƒîÉ   APSIA Webinar on YPP    ­ƒîÉ   Other APSIA Webinars ­ƒîÉ   YouTube: “Passing the UN YPP"   ­ƒîÉ   Basic Facts about the UN (recommended by YPP panelists)   ­ƒîÉ   UCC Webinars “How to prepare for a successful U.N. interview” & “How to Kickstart your Global Career with Diplomatic Skills"   ­ƒîÉ   General information from private company

What We're Listening To

In this column, we highlight IO/UNS-related podcasts, movies, news sources, and more that might be of interest to students in our community.

This week, we call your attention to, "GPS", a weekly podcast by political scientist and CNN host, Fareed Zakaria. The podcast includes discussion and interviews on current affairs. Most recently, Zakaria has had a series of podcasts on the evolving Russia-Ukraine situation including an interview with Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov. You can listen to the podcast here.

Do you have a favorite podcast, news series, or blog that you think your peers would enjoy? Send us an email with your recommendations!
Danielle Neftin

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

We are proud of the critical views and relevant experiences of our IO/UNS specializers. To give each other a platform and a better appreciation of our goals and ideas, we are looking for volunteers to shed a spotlight on in our weekly newsletter communications and post on our Twitter account (@UNatColumbia). We hope these spotlights will help foster an even better understanding of our IO/UNS community and to share your inspirations for pursuing an education in multilateralism and global governance. We know that each of you has something to offer. Don't be shy and please fill out our questionnaire here - we'd love to shine a light on you!
Events at SIPA & Beyond
Spotlighted Events

Thursday, Feb. 3, 1-2 PM ET
Online
The Future of the UN's Gender Agenda: Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women

RSVP | EVENT INFO
 
 

Wednesday, Feb 9. 1-2 PM ET
Online & in-person
Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights

 

RSVP | EVENT INFO
THIS WEEK January 26 - February 16, 2022. 
UNA-NYC Careers at the United Nations
Online 
 
The United Nations Association of New York is hosting a four-part series exploring careers in the United Nations with exclusive access to information and insider tips about how to launch their UN careers. The sessions will be held via Zoom, on January 26, February 2, February 9 and February 16. The time slot for the first three sessions is from 6–7 p.m. ET, while the last session on February 16 is from 1–2 p.m. EST. Each session will last approximately one hour and will include time for attendees to ask questions.
  • February 2 | Interviewing to Impress:
    Learn the ins and outs of the UN interview process and understand the competencies candidates are expected to demonstrate
  • February 9 | Navigating the NGO Ecosystem:
    Get an in-depth look at the network of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that work with the UN and the opportunities it presents
  • February 16 | Young Professionals Career Panel: Meet with four young professionals working in the UN world and hear their individual journeys to their jobs, from start to finish
Register for the webinars here.
IO/UNS Thursday, February 3. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
The Future of the UN’s Gender Agenda: Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 
Virtual & In Person

Founded 11 years ago to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, UN Women delivers programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential.

Sima Bahous, who was appointed as UN Women’s new Executive Director in September 2021, will share her vision for the future of the UN’s gender agenda and the challenges to reach real impacts for the lives of women and girls. Ms. Bahous previously served as the Permanent Representative of Jordan to the UN, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP, and Head of the Social Development Sector at the League of Arab States. 

Ms. Bahous will be joined in conversation by Professor Yasmine Ergas, director of SIPA’s Gender and Public Policy specialization, as well as of the Institute for the Study of Human Rights and Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i. of SIPA’s international organization and UN studies specialization. 

Ms. Bahous will join virtually. Columbia students and faculty can opt to join the in-person joint viewing or to participate online. Due to the pandemic, other guests only have the option to join online. Please see the separate registration options.

Register for the webinar here.

Thursday, February 3. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
International Monetary Fund Employer Information Session (Washington, DC Career Week)
Online

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Created in 1945, the IMF is governed by and accountable to the 189 countries that make up its near-global membership. The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. The Fund's mandate was updated in 2012 to include all macroeconomic and financial sector issues that bear on global stability.
 
Register for the webinar here.
IO/UNS: Wednesday, February 9. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights
Online & in-person

What is the role and impact of informal collaborations in the UN human rights treaty bodies? Nina Reiners shares insights from her new book 'Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights' (Cambridge UP, 2022) to show that issues as central to international human rights as the right to water, abortion, torture, and hate speech are often only clarified through the instrument of treaty interpretations. Diving beneath the surface of the formal access, procedures, and actors of the UN treaty body system, Reiners reveals how the experts and external collaborators play a key role in the development of human rights.

The talk will be moderated by Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i., IO/UNS specialization. 

Dr. Reiners will join virtually. Columbia students and faculty can opt to join the in-person joint viewing or to join virtually. Due to the pandemic, other guests only have the option to join online. Please see the separate registration options. 

Register here.

Thursday, February 9. 8:00 - 10:00 AM ET.
UN Careers LIVE!
Online

Date: 9 February 2022
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am (EST)

Join CAC for a two-hour LIVE webinar in which we will explore opportunities for university students and recent graduates to start a career in the United Nations. You will be able to attend special presentations on job opportunities that make a difference in the world, the value of adding the UN to your career journey, and much more. This session offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about the work of the United Nations and to gain valuable insight into the process of becoming a competitive applicant.

Audience: The webinar is designed for recent or upcoming graduates who are passionate about making a difference in the world. Candidates who are multilingual, have international experience, or backgrounds in multiple sectors are highly encouraged to join.

The event will be conducted in English. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
 
Register for the webinar here.
Internship Opportunities
UNDP Intern for Data Futures Project Support
Application Deadline: February 2, 2022
Location: Home-based

In December 2020, UNDP launched the Data Futures Platform as an open resource that translates multidimensional data into actionable insights to support Governments and other development practitioners. It operates across the entire breadth of UNDP’s work with a goal to support decision makers to analyse potential impacts of different combinations of policy choices, across countries and regions, before investments are locked in.

Under the guidance of the Global Policy Advisor of the SDG Integration, BPPS/GPN, the Data Futures Project Support Intern will work with the SDG Integration’s data team to support its engagement with UNDP Offices globally and updates on the Data Futures Platform.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNESCAP Environment Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
Location: Home-based

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Environment and Development Division, Sustainable Urban Development Section works with member States and key stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development in Asia and the Pacific through a programme of work focused on: (i) developing and disseminating knowledge products that foster enhanced awareness and informed decision-making; (ii) providing technical assistance and supporting capacity development; (iii) strengthening intergovernmental processes; and (iv) networking and partnership development, among others.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNDP Communication Intern for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
Application Deadline: June 30, 2022
Location: Home-based

UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) has corporate responsibility for UNDP’s corporate crisis-related work and driving UNDP’s vision and priorities for crisis prevention, response, and recovery, to support the strategic results, outcomes and outputs of UNDP's Strategic Plan. Within the CB, the Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) team works on the integration of governance, conflict prevention and peacebuilding interventions. The CPPRI team leads and coordinates UNDP's corporate, global approach on how to prevent violent extremism (PVE) from a development perspective. 
The intern will engage with the PVE Team in New York as well as colleagues in Country Offices and Regional Hubs to enhance communication across the practice.This position will expose the intern to unique insights on implementation of peacebuilding and prevention of violent extremism programmes across the 42 countries in which UNDP implements PVE projects.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNCDF - Internship Opportunity with the Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit
Application Deadline: September 30, 2022
Location: Home-based

The UN Capital Development Fund makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries (LDCs).

UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

UNCDF pursues innovative financing solutions through: (1) financial inclusion, which expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the local economy, while also providing differentiated products for women and men so they can climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; (2) local development finance, which shows how fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion, women’s economic empowerment, climate adaptation, and sustainable development; and (3) a least developed countries investment platform that deploys a tailored set of financial instruments to a growing pipeline of impactful projects in the “missing middle.’’

UNCDF is seeking an intern to be part of the Partnerships, Policy and Communications Unit (PPC) in its Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of the Head of PPC, and working closely with PPC staff, the intern will support the ongoing workplan and goals of the unit, including but not limited to expanding partnerships; preparing policy briefs for high level meetings; supporting the launch of major initiatives on blended finance and enterprises in Africa; and building and maintaining a base of knowledge about Member States.


To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UN Office of Political Affairs - Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate, Intern
Application Deadline: December 30, 2022
Location: New York

The internship is for an initial period of three months, with an opportunity for extension up to a total period of six months. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours). This position is located in the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA). The OVRA was created as part of the four-pronged strategy set out in the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on special measures on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach (A/71/818). Its mandate is directed to

ensuring that the rights and dignity of victims are at the forefront of all elements of the United Nations system-wide response to sexual exploitation and abuse alleged to be perpetrated by United Nations uniformed or civilian personnel and non-United Nations troops serving under a Security Council mandate. The intern will support the work of the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate and work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.
Intern - Public Information, Office of the High Reprsentative for the LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries, and SIDs
Application Deadline: January 12, 2023
Location: New York

The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the department. For more information, please see: https://un.org/ohrlls

The internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.


To apply, please visit the job posting here.

Follow the IO/UNS Specialization on
CampusGroups, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Feel free to reach out to us:
Daniel Naujoks, Interim Director, daniel.naujoks@columbia.edu
To book office hours, click here.

Yun Liang, Program Assistant, yun.liang@columbia.edu
Nate Edwards, Program Assistant, nke2113@columbia.edu