UN Intern - Legal Affairs

UN Intern - Legal Affairs

United Nations Secretariat

August 23, 2026September 24, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve its goals. The specific internship is within the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE), which was established by UN Security Council resolution 1888 in 2009.

Job Overview:
The UN Intern in Legal Affairs will work within the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE), assisting in various tasks that support the mission of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC). The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of international law and human rights, particularly focusing on issues related to sexual violence in conflict situations. Interns will engage in monitoring developments in relevant countries, assist with administrative tasks, and support the organization of conferences and meetings. This role is crucial for those interested in gaining insight into the workings of the UN and contributing to significant global issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: monitoring relevant developments in countries of interest to the TOE; assisting with routine administrative tasks related to the TOE's work; organizing conferences, events, and meetings; taking notes and writing summaries of meetings; conducting research and supporting TOE members with related tasks; accompanying TOE members to meetings with delegates and other UN offices; preparing public information materials and presentations; and performing any other functions as requested by supervisors. The internship requires a commitment of four to five days per week, totaling 20-35 hours, and can be tailored to fit the intern's schedule in discussion with their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A degree in law is preferred, but not mandatory. No prior work experience is required, as the internship is designed to provide learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be currently enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. A background in law is preferred, but students from other disciplines may also apply if they meet the other qualifications. The internship is an opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable experience in international law and human rights.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship. The United Nations Internship Programme is designed for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment. Interns are expected to bring their training, education, and skills to benefit the UN during their internship.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another official UN language is considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the diverse and multicultural environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and can be conducted either in-person in New York or remotely, with full-time or part-time modalities considered. The expected duration of the internship is between three to six months, depending on the needs of the TOE. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G4 visa and ensuring valid employment authorization is mandatory. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.
Apply now
Similar Jobs