Internship Opportunity: UN SDG Action Campaign – Supporting Local Action for Global Sustainability

March 16, 2025

17 minutes read

Background of the Role:http://UN SDG Action Campaign Internship – Job Posting

This internship is within the UN SDG Action Campaign, which is a global initiative created by the UN Secretary-General. Its mission is to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to take concrete actions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG Action Campaign works particularly closely with local governments and cities, showing how they contribute to global efforts to meet the SDGs.

The internship is home-based, meaning you can work from anywhere, but you’ll be collaborating with a small team that supports global initiatives and partners in the SDG space. The internship is hosted by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which is a key organization supporting the SDG Action Campaign.

Key Responsibilities:wordpress-6.7.1

The role is split into several areas where you will be expected to contribute:

1. Supporting Knowledge Generation on SDG Local Action:

Research: You will gather information on how cities and local governments are implementing the SDGs, particularly focusing on innovative solutions they are creating.
Knowledge Sharing: You will help create reports, presentations, and documents to share these best practices and lessons learned. This could involve engaging with different online networks or communities to spread this knowledge.
Communication Tasks: You will support communication efforts like writing press releases, creating social media posts, and assisting with event organization to highlight the progress made by cities and local governments in SDG-related areas.
Data Visualization: You’ll help design infographics to display data about local government SDG implementation. This will help you gain hands-on experience in designing visual content for public use.

2. Supporting Communications:

You will contribute to creating engaging stories and news updates that will be published on the project’s website.
You will also help with newsletter creation to keep stakeholders informed, and you will assist in growing the project’s contact database for local and regional government contacts.

3. Supporting Key Events:

You will assist with UNDP’s activities during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025, an important UN event where leaders review progress on the SDGs.
You will also support the 8th Local and Regional Governments Forum in July 2025, which will focus on the role of local governments in achieving the SDGs.

Skills and Experience:

To be eligible for the internship, you need:

Strong Communication Skills: You need to be comfortable writing in English and presenting ideas clearly, as you’ll be involved in producing various content such as press releases, articles, and social media posts.
Interest in Local Governments and SDGs: The work will focus on how cities and local governments are contributing to the SDGs, so an interest or knowledge of local governance and global agendas like the 2030 Agenda is helpful.
Additional Skills: If you have extra skills like graphic design (e.g., using tools like Canva), photo editing, or experience in creating online/offline campaigns, these will be considered a plus.
Proactive, Organized, and Motivated: Since the work is fast-paced and requires you to be self-sufficient, a proactive, well-organized, and motivated attitude will help you succeed.

Internship Conditions:

You’ll receive a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses during your internship.
Leave: Interns are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month.
Health Insurance: You must provide proof of health insurance before starting the internship. This can usually be arranged through your university or a private provider.
No Employment Guarantee: While the internship offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, it does not guarantee a job with the UN at the end. The main purpose is to support your studies and enhance your professional skills.

Eligibility:

You need to be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program (or in the final year of a Bachelor’s program), or you can apply if you have graduated in the past year.
Overseas study experience or any skills related to digital communication and design (such as graphic design or social media campaign management) will give you an edge.

Application Documents Required:

CV (resume).
Letter of Motivation explaining why you’re interested in this internship and what you can bring to the role.
Copy of your school transcript to show your academic background.
Confirmation of financial support, if applicable, so they know if you are getting funding from another institution (e.g., a university or scholarship).

Additional Information:

Location: This is a home-based internship, which means you can work from anywhere with internet access.
Duration: The internship is for 3 months, and it’s full-time.
You’ll be working directly with experienced professionals and will likely have the chance to network with key stakeholders in the field of sustainable development and local governance.

Would you like help with drafting your application or have any other questions about the internship?

Certainly! Here’s a detailed and comprehensive explanation about the UN SDG Action Campaign Internship and its various components. This expanded version will cover the internship’s background, duties, competencies, qualifications, benefits, and other relevant aspects in more detail.

1. Introduction to the UN SDG Action Campaign

The UN SDG Action Campaign was established by the United Nations Secretary-General to inspire individuals, communities, governments, and organizations across the world to take action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs represent a blueprint for a more sustainable, fair, and equitable world by 2030. The Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging action, and tracking progress toward these goals.

The SDGs consist of 17 interconnected goals, which cover everything from ending poverty and hunger to achieving gender equality, clean water, climate action, quality education, and sustainable cities. The UN SDG Action Campaign supports the localization of these SDGs, helping cities and local governments create and implement policies that align with the SDGs.

This internship is hosted and supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), a key UN organization dedicated to tackling global development challenges. It focuses on how local actors, including cities and regions, can actively contribute to achieving the SDGs. The Campaign works directly with governments, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement strategies and projects that directly impact sustainable development.

The UN SDG Action Campaign is based in Bonn, Germany, but this internship is home-based, providing an opportunity to work remotely while contributing to this important global initiative.

2. The Purpose of the Internship

The SDG Local Action Intern position provides an exciting opportunity for candidates to contribute to the implementation of the SDGs at the local level. The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Advisor for Cities and Local Government at the UN SDG Action Campaign.

This internship is an opportunity to:

Learn directly from UNDP’s experts and gain exposure to global development work.
Contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of local governance and SDGs.
Help develop innovative solutions for SDG localization, including how cities and local governments can create concrete actions that impact sustainable development.
Enhance your communication skills by working on a range of tasks such as writing reports, creating content, and supporting events and campaigns.

The work done by the intern will support the broader goals of the UN SDG Action Campaign, which include raising awareness about the importance of local actors in implementing the SDGs and inspiring action at the local level.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

A. Supporting Knowledge Generation on SDG Local Action

The first key responsibility for the intern is to support knowledge generation related to how cities and local governments are contributing to SDG implementation. In this capacity, you will:

Conduct Research:
- Research and identify local governments (e.g., cities, towns, and regional administrations) that are actively contributing to achieving the SDGs.
- You will gather case studies, reports, and success stories to highlight how these local actors are making progress toward the SDGs. This could involve analyzing local policies, initiatives, and collaborations that directly align with global goals.
- Your research will focus on both quantitative data (e.g., measurable outcomes related to poverty reduction, climate action) and qualitative insights (e.g., stories of innovative community-based initiatives or government policies).
Contribute to Creating and Sharing Knowledge:
- You will help develop tools, reports, and publications to share the knowledge gathered through your research with others.
- The goal is to build and expand a network of cities, local governments, and stakeholders working on the SDGs and create a platform where they can learn from each other’s experiences.
- You will be encouraged to share new ideas and suggest ways of engaging local governments to boost their participation in these global efforts. The Campaign aims to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and proactivity.
Assist with Communication Tasks:
- As part of the role, you will contribute to communication efforts aimed at showcasing successful local government actions. This includes writing press releases, creating social media posts, and designing visual content (infographics, charts) to highlight key achievements.
- The goal is to increase visibility for successful local initiatives and inspire others to adopt similar strategies.
Support Data Visualization:
- You will have the opportunity to work on data visualization projects, creating infographics or charts that display the progress of cities and local governments in achieving SDGs. This will help you develop technical skills in graphic design and data representation, which is becoming an increasingly important tool in the development sector.

B. Supporting Communications

Another aspect of the internship is to support the communications efforts of the UN SDG Action Campaign. This will involve:

Contributing to News and Story Generation:
- You will help generate stories and news updates that highlight key activities and milestones in the Campaign’s work. These stories could focus on local government actions, successful community initiatives, or partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society.
- Your work will help increase the visibility of SDG-related initiatives and demonstrate how local action plays a critical role in achieving the SDGs.
Creating Newsletters:
- You will assist in creating project newsletters, which are sent out to stakeholders to inform them about the latest developments in the SDG Action Campaign.
- This includes researching content, drafting articles, and compiling updates on the progress made by local governments in contributing to the SDGs.
Expanding the Contact Database:
- A key task will be expanding the project database by identifying and collecting contact information for local and regional government officials, SDG advocates, and other stakeholders in the field of sustainable development.
- This will be valuable for the Campaign’s outreach efforts, helping to establish stronger networks and create more opportunities for collaboration.

C. Supporting Key UNDP Events and Initiatives

The intern will also support UNDP events that aim to highlight the contributions of local governments to the SDGs:

High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025:
- The HLPF is a major annual event where world leaders review progress toward achieving the SDGs. The intern will assist the local government delegation in preparing for this important event, which takes place in July 2025.
- You will help with logistical support, research, drafting speeches or statements, and promoting the event’s outcomes.
8th Local and Regional Governments Forum:
- In addition to HLPF, the intern will support the 8th Local and Regional Governments Forum scheduled for July 2025. This event is focused on showcasing the role of local actors in implementing the SDGs.
- The intern will provide support in organizing the event, preparing communication materials, and ensuring the smooth coordination of activities.

4. Required Skills and Competencies

A. General Competencies

Commitment to the UN Mission: A genuine interest in and understanding of the United Nations’ goals, particularly in promoting the SDGs, will be crucial to the success of the internship.
Strong Communication Skills: The intern must have strong written and spoken communication skills in English, as much of the work will involve drafting reports, articles, press releases, and communicating with international stakeholders.
Creativity and Proactivity: The ability to think creatively, propose new ideas, and actively engage in projects will be key to success in this role. The Campaign values innovation, especially when it comes to sharing knowledge and building partnerships at the local level.
Technical Skills: Knowledge of graphic design tools such as Canva, Microsoft Office, and other online collaborative tools will be beneficial. The ability to create visually appealing reports, infographics, and presentations will be highly valued.

B. Specific Experience and Education Requirements

Educational Background:
- You should be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program (or in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree) related to international relations, social sciences, communications, journalism, marketing, or any other relevant field.
- Alternatively, if you have graduated within the past year, you are eligible to apply. The intern should also have a keen interest in global development, SDG localization, and the role of local governments in achieving global agendas.
- Overseas experience (e.g., studying abroad) will be an asset, as it provides exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking, which is helpful in global development work.
Professional Skills:
- A background in communications, journalism, or media campaigns will be beneficial, as the intern will be involved in generating stories, press releases, and other communication assets.
- Experience with graphic design or photo editing (especially using tools like Canva) will make you stand out, as visual content is a critical part of the SDG Action Campaign’s outreach efforts.
- Social media skills and an understanding of social media campaigns will also be useful, as you’ll be supporting the creation of social media content to promote SDG actions at the local level.

5. Benefits of the Internship

Exposure to UNDP’s Work: You will gain firsthand experience working with one of the most influential development organizations in the world, getting exposure to high-level international development policy and practice.
Networking Opportunities: Through this internship, you will have the chance to network with professionals working in the field of sustainable development, local governance, and international relations.
Stipend: Interns are paid a monthly stipend, which will help cover basic expenses during the internship period.
Professional Development: The internship will allow you to develop critical skills in research, communications, and data visualization, providing you with valuable experience that can enhance your future career in the development sector.
Flexible Working Environment: As this is a home-based internship, you will be able to work remotely, allowing you to manage your own schedule and work in a comfortable environment.

6. Internship Conditions

Health Insurance: Interns must provide proof of health insurance before starting the internship, as this is a requirement to ensure that you are covered during the internship period.
Travel and Accommodation: As this is a home-based position, there is no need for relocation. However, if you are required to travel for any reason, the costs for visa, travel, and accommodation will need to be covered by the intern or their sponsor.
Leave: Interns are entitled to 1.5 days of leave per month, which provides flexibility during the internship.

7. How to Apply

The application process requires several documents to ensure your eligibility and suitability for the role:

CV (resume).
Letter of Motivation: This letter should explain why you are interested in this internship, what you hope to gain from it, and how your skills and experiences align with the duties of the internship.
School Transcript: A copy of your academic transcript is required to confirm your academic background.
Financial Support Statement: If you are receiving financial support from another institution (e.g., university, government, scholarship program), you must indicate the amount of financial support you are receiving.

The deadline to submit your application is March 25, 2025.

Conclusion

The UN SDG Action Campaign Internship offers a unique and meaningful opportunity for individuals passionate about sustainable development to contribute directly to a global initiative. With a focus on local governments and cities, this internship provides a rich learning experience in research, communications, and event coordination. It is ideal for students or recent graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in international development, policy advocacy, and the SDG agenda.

Absolutely! Let’s continue to expand further and provide even more detail regarding the UN SDG Action Campaign Internship, focusing on its context, the organization’s impact, the specifics of the internship, and its overall significance for global development. This extended description will help paint a comprehensive picture of the opportunity, diving deeper into the nuances of the role and the broader work of the UN SDG Action Campaign.

8. The Role of the UN SDG Action Campaign in Global Development

The UN SDG Action Campaign was created to bridge the gap between the international goals set by the United Nations and the actions that are being taken at the grassroots, local level. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global objectives that aim to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and peace and justice. However, in order for these global goals to be achieved, it is vital to ensure that local communities and governments are actively involved and empowered.

Local governments and cities are often the driving forces in implementing solutions to address the SDGs because they can tailor initiatives to the specific needs of their communities. This is why the SDG Action Campaign focuses on inspiring action at the local level. By showcasing the positive work that cities and local governments are already doing, the Campaign amplifies their efforts, encouraging others to take similar action.

The Campaign also works to raise awareness, build capacity, and create a global network of cities and local actors that can collaborate, learn from each other, and build on successful initiatives. The ultimate goal is to make the SDGs tangible and actionable for communities around the world, demonstrating that these global goals can be localized and implemented in ways that are meaningful at the local level.

Through various initiatives, the SDG Action Campaign provides support, tools, and platforms for local governments to not only meet the SDGs but to exceed expectations. This can involve providing training, resources for communication, platforms for sharing ideas, and opportunities for local actors to network with global organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to influence both national and international policy.

9. How Local Action Contributes to Global Change

One of the most significant aspects of the SDG Action Campaign is its recognition that local action drives global change. While many people think of the United Nations as the main entity responsible for achieving the SDGs, in reality, the localization of the SDGs is what will make them successful. Local governments are the ones that implement the policies and programs that impact everyday life, and they are in the best position to understand the specific needs of their communities.

For example, a city government can implement policies to improve public transportation, which may contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Likewise, a local government may promote green infrastructure, such as urban gardens or sustainable waste management systems, which contribute to environmental sustainability while also providing social, economic, and health benefits for the local population.

By working with local governments and other stakeholders, the UN SDG Action Campaign ensures that there is alignment between the global SDGs and local priorities, enabling cities and communities to take ownership of the goals. It emphasizes that the SDGs are not a distant set of objectives but are relevant to the lives of people and the local context. This perspective is crucial because when local governments adopt SDGs into their policies, they are more likely to engage citizens, create sustainable practices, and develop innovative solutions.

10. The Importance of Knowledge Generation and Dissemination

One of the key tasks of the intern in the UN SDG Action Campaign is to support knowledge generation and disseminate this information. As local governments are driving the SDG agenda on the ground, it is essential to capture their success stories, innovations, and best practices. These success stories provide valuable lessons that can inspire other cities and governments around the world to take similar actions.

The intern’s role in conducting research and data collection will be crucial in uncovering such examples of local government success. This can involve looking for:

Case Studies: These are in-depth analyses of how particular cities or regions have successfully implemented initiatives that contribute to achieving specific SDGs. For example, how a city reduced its carbon emissions by implementing green infrastructure or how another city promoted gender equality through education reforms.
Data Analysis: Beyond case studies, the intern will work with data to quantify and measure the impact of various local initiatives, creating infographics and visual content that make complex data more accessible to a global audience.
Reports and Publications: The intern will contribute to creating comprehensive reports that document these success stories, providing a resource for other local governments, policymakers, and international organizations to learn from and replicate.

This process not only raises the visibility of local governments but also encourages a knowledge-sharing culture where best practices are exchanged, new partnerships are created, and innovative solutions to global challenges are developed. By helping to document and share these stories, the intern will have the opportunity to play an integral role in amplifying the impact of local actors.

11. Enhancing Communications and Engagement with Stakeholders

In addition to research and knowledge generation, the intern will also play a significant role in communications. Effective communication is essential to mobilizing action at both the local and global levels. The intern will contribute to the development of communication materials, including social media content, newsletters, and press releases that highlight key events, success stories, and updates from the SDG Action Campaign.

The intern will be directly involved in:

Writing Press Releases: These will announce key achievements, events, and new initiatives related to the SDG Action Campaign, ensuring that these developments reach both local and international audiences.
Social Media Engagement: Given the growing influence of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, the intern will assist in creating engaging content, such as posts, stories, and infographics, that can be shared with followers to raise awareness about SDG initiatives at the local level.
Newsletter Development: The intern will help produce a project newsletter, which is a vital tool for updating stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and international organizations, on the Campaign’s progress and events. This will involve writing, editing, and formatting newsletter content.
Building an Outreach Database: As part of expanding the reach of the SDG Action Campaign, the intern will help build and maintain an extensive database of contacts from local governments, regional authorities, and civil society organizations. This will help strengthen the Campaign’s ability to reach and mobilize a larger group of partners to support the SDGs.

The ultimate goal of this work is to raise the visibility of local actors and ensure that their voices are heard at the global level. By using effective communication strategies, the intern will help foster stronger networks and greater collaboration among stakeholders working on the SDGs.

12. The Internship Experience as a Gateway to a Career in Development

The UN SDG Action Campaign Internship is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in pursuing a career in international development, sustainable governance, or global communications. The hands-on experience gained in this role will prepare you for a range of opportunities in the field of development, whether with the United Nations, national governments, NGOs, or private organizations.

The skills you will develop, such as researching local SDG initiatives, producing communication materials, data visualization, and event management, will be directly transferable to many other roles in international development, environmental advocacy, and policy work. The internship provides a learning environment that allows you to gain practical experience while making a tangible contribution to global efforts to achieve the SDGs.

13. Why Apply for the UN SDG Action Campaign Internship?

There are numerous reasons why applying for this internship is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about global development, sustainability, and social change:

Exposure to Global Development Work: By working with UNDP and the SDG Action Campaign, you will gain insight into how the United Nations operates and how international organizations partner with local governments to advance the SDGs.
Networking Opportunities: This internship will give you access to a network of professionals from across the globe, including government officials, UN staff, experts in the field of SDGs, and representatives from international organizations.
Developing Key Skills: From communication and research to event management and data analysis, this internship will help you build a diverse skill set that will be beneficial in any future development-related career.
Impactful Work: The work you do will contribute directly to the global SDG agenda, helping local governments improve their policies and contribute to achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.
Flexibility: Since this internship is home-based, it provides flexibility in terms of work-life balance and eliminates the need to relocate.

14. Final Thoughts

The SDG Local Action Intern position offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a global cause that is central to creating a better world for all. By supporting local governments and cities as they implement the SDGs, the intern will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable development. With responsibilities ranging from research and knowledge generation to communications and event support, this internship provides a well-rounded experience in the development sector.

Through this position, the intern will not only help amplify the voices of local governments but also engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to global goals. It’s a fantastic stepping stone for anyone looking to further their career in international relations, sustainable development, or global communications.

March 16, 2025

17 minutes read

Internship Opportunity: UN SDG Action Campaign – Supporting Local Action for Global Sustainability