Intern - Office of Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a part of the United Nations, which was established to provide legal advice and support to the UN and its various bodies. The OLA operates with a mission to ensure that the work of the United Nations is conducted in accordance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The office comprises six divisions and offices, each focusing on different aspects of legal affairs, including international law, ocean affairs, and treaty law. The OLA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and it operates globally, with its main office located in New York. The organization employs a diverse workforce and aims to maintain a gender balance within its ranks, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is designed for highly motivated individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced legal professionals and will be assigned to various projects and tasks that will enhance their understanding of legal affairs in a multicultural intergovernmental setting. The internship is expected to last a minimum of two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the divisions or offices. Interns will have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, contributing to the work of the OLA while developing their skills in legal research, document preparation, and other relevant areas. The desired start date for the internship can range from October 1, 2025, to March 2, 2026, allowing for flexibility in scheduling.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns at the Office of Legal Affairs will have a wide range of responsibilities that may include: assisting in conducting legal research on international law, ocean affairs, and other specialized areas; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting and preparing official and legal documents; attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, and assisting in servicing these events; working on the development and maintenance of websites and presentations; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. Interns are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the functions of the various divisions and offices within the OLA to better align their interests and qualifications with the specific tasks they will undertake.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a degree program in Law. At the time of application, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While prior professional work experience is not required, any relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that benefits the United Nations will be considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a degree program in Law. This can include either a graduate degree or the final year of an undergraduate program. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation in legal principles and practices, which will be essential for performing the duties associated with the internship.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is necessary to apply for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to legal research, international law, or other pertinent fields.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, requiring interns to work five days a week under the supervision of managers. However, a hybrid or remote setting may be considered based on requests from successful candidates. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply without concern for financial obligations.