Legal Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a key component of the United Nations, responsible for providing legal advice and services to the UN and its various entities. Established to support the UN's mission of promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, OLA operates with a diverse team of legal professionals. The office is located in New York City and encompasses six divisions, each focusing on different aspects of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and legal affairs. OLA aims to ensure that the UN's actions are in accordance with international law and to assist member states in their legal matters. The organization is committed to fostering a multicultural environment and promoting gender balance within its workforce, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Legal intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position offers a unique opportunity for 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 align with their interests and qualifications. This internship is designed to enhance the interns' understanding of legal affairs in a multicultural intergovernmental organization, providing them with the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. Interns will be involved in a range of activities, including legal research, document review, and drafting legal materials, which will contribute to their professional development and understanding of international law.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include: conducting legal research on international law issues, ocean affairs, and other specialized areas; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting and preparing official legal documents; attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, and assisting in servicing these events; working on the development of websites and presentations; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. The internship is structured to provide a comprehensive experience in the legal functions of the United Nations, allowing interns to engage with various divisions and offices within OLA.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be 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). Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in international law and the workings of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a law degree program. This could be a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in law. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and international law, as well as relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to legal affairs or international law.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effective participation in the internship.

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. There is a possibility for a hybrid or remote setting based on requests from successful candidates. The internship duration is a minimum of two months, with the potential for extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the divisions or offices. 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 United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and it is committed to maintaining a gender-balanced workforce.