Internship with the Afghanistan Team, Asia and the Pacific Division

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, human rights, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees globally. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations, specifically within the context of the Afghanistan Team at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, with a duration of three to six months. Interns will work closely with the Afghanistan Team, which is part of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The role involves monitoring and analyzing developments related to the Special Political Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), with a focus on human rights and Women, Peace, Security (WPS) issues. Interns will also assist in drafting documents, organizing meetings, and developing strategic communications, thereby contributing to the UN's efforts in conflict prevention and resolution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of the Afghanistan Team. These include: monitoring and analyzing operational, political, and security developments related to UNAMA; drafting briefing notes, meeting notes, and talking points; taking notes during meetings and conferences; assisting in organizing meetings of Special Envoys on Afghanistan; helping develop strategic communications and presentations; and supporting data collection and information management efforts. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the workings of the UN and contribute to important initiatives related to Afghanistan.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to international relations, conflict prevention, or human rights is essential. A demonstrated interest in Afghanistan and knowledge of the region will be considered an asset. Applicants should also possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and have the ability to draft articles and design surveys.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a degree at the bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. level. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to international relations, political science, human rights, or similar disciplines. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic coursework or volunteer experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. A strong interest in the UN's mission and the specific context of Afghanistan is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, proficiency in any other UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is not financially compensated, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce. Applicants who have previously interned for six months in the UN Common System or have close family ties to current UN staff members are ineligible. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship.