Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located in the International Trade Law Division, Office of Legal Affairs (ITLD/OLA), United Nations, Vienna (Austria). The Division functions as the substantive secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). UNCITRAL was established to further the progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade, receiving its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly. It has become the core legal body of the United Nations system in the field of international trade law, focusing primarily on commercial law with limited interaction with the World Trade Organization (WTO). For more information on UNCITRAL, please visit https://uncitral.un.org. ITLD comprises a Legislative Branch and a Non-legislative Section, tasked with developing harmonized legislative texts and providing technical assistance regarding the adoption and use of UNCITRAL legal texts, as well as coordinating among organizations working in the field of international trade law.

Job Overview:
The internship aims to assist the officers of ITLD in fulfilling the mandate of UNCITRAL while providing practical training to the intern. Interns will gain valuable experience in international trade law, working full-time (40 hours per week) under the direct supervision of professional staff in either the Legislative or Non-Legislative Section. The internship is unpaid and requires a commitment of five days per week. Interns will engage in various assignments that contribute to their understanding of international trade law and the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have specific assignments in both the Legislative Branch and the Non-legislative Section. In the Legislative Branch, duties 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 as requested. In the Non-legislative Section, interns will contribute to identifying legislative reform needs and assistance requirements in selected countries or sectors, assist with the collection and analysis of case law on UNCITRAL texts, help develop and maintain the UNCITRAL website, and support the coordination functions of the Division.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants 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. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. A field of study related to international trade law or legal affairs is essential for this internship.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for this internship. However, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French, both oral and written, is required for the internship. Knowledge of both working languages or an additional official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage.

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 before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.