Internship in International Trade Law Division

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations. The ITLD serves as the substantive secretariat for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which was established to promote the progressive harmonization and unification of international trade law. UNCITRAL is recognized as the core legal body of the United Nations system in this field, focusing primarily on commercial law. The division operates with a Legislative Branch and a Non-legislative Section, each tasked with specific functions related to the development and implementation of legal texts and technical assistance in international trade law. The organization is committed to enhancing the legal framework governing international trade and operates globally, impacting various countries through its initiatives and legal instruments.

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide practical training and experience in international trade law while assisting the officers of the ITLD in fulfilling the mandate of UNCITRAL. Interns will engage in a full-time, unpaid internship, working five days a week under the supervision of professional staff. The internship aims to equip interns with valuable insights into the workings of international trade law and the role of the United Nations in this domain. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects, including the preparation of legal texts and the analysis of legislative needs in various countries. This role is particularly suited for individuals who are passionate about international law and eager to learn about the complexities of trade regulations on a global scale.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks that contribute to the objectives of the ITLD. In the Legislative Branch, responsibilities include assisting with research and preparation of comparative legal studies, drafting legal texts such as conventions and model laws, and undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments. In the Non-legislative Section, interns will help identify legislative reform needs, assist in the collection and analysis of case law related to UNCITRAL texts, contribute to the development and maintenance of the UNCITRAL website, and support the coordination functions of the Division. These duties provide a comprehensive exposure to the practical aspects of international trade law and the operations of a major international organization.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree). Additionally, candidates must demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications, a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are essential. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is necessary, and applicants must provide proof of their qualifications during the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate program or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program. This educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on international trade law. The internship is open to students pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. program as well, provided they meet the other criteria outlined in the qualifications.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a field related to international trade law. This could include studies in law, international relations, or economics, which would provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of trade law and the workings of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in one of these languages. Knowledge of both English and French, or an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish), is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free of financial burdens.