Internship in the African Union Partnership Unit (AUPU)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, ensuring that its staff reflects the diversity of the global population.

Job Overview:
The internship is located within the African Union Partnership Unit (AUPU), which is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The AUPU plays a crucial role in overseeing the strategic, political, and operational partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in areas such as peace and security. The intern will be expected to provide support on various matters related to cooperation between the UN and AU, particularly in conflict prevention, management, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts in Africa. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in a UN setting, allowing the intern to engage with key stakeholders and contribute to important initiatives. The position is full-time, requiring 35 hours of work per week, and may involve a hybrid working arrangement, with in-person attendance at least three times a week.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including monitoring and analyzing political and security developments in Africa, as well as the actions and positions of the African Union. They will provide a news feed on political developments based on situation reports, press clippings, and media reports. The intern will also summarize key public and academic articles related to the AU, prepare infographics on relevant developments, assist in the preparation of briefing materials for senior UN officials, participate in meetings, draft minutes and summaries, carry out individual research assignments, and perform any other duties as requested by the supervising staff member.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Studies or experience related to Africa are desirable. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, including MS Word and MS PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. The field of study should be relevant to the internship, with a preference for candidates who have focused on topics related to Africa or international relations. This educational foundation will help the intern effectively contribute to the work of the AUPU and understand the complexities of the UN's partnership with the AU.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. Experience in research, analysis, or related fields will be beneficial, particularly if it pertains to African political or security issues. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in a UN environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, which is another official UN language, is considered an advantage. This bilingual capability will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and access a wider range of resources and information.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship duration is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the office. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity in its hiring practices. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and applicants with prior UN internship experience should note that they cannot engage in another internship if they have already served six months in total within the UN Common System.