Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) is part of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. It is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, and plays a crucial role in assisting countries in the Asia and Pacific region in achieving their peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and disarmament goals. The organization was established to provide substantive support, coordinate activities at various levels, and facilitate information sharing on global and regional activities related to disarmament. UNRCPD's mission includes promoting dialogue and confidence-building on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, as well as addressing challenges to peace and security by engaging women and youth. The organization organizes seminars, workshops, and training sessions to further its objectives, and it operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on international agreements aimed at preventing illegal arms flows.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position at UNRCPD is designed to provide support in key programmatic areas related to disarmament and peace initiatives. The intern will engage in various activities that contribute to the organization's mission, including assisting in the drafting and preparation of official documents, conducting legal and internet research, and providing logistical support during conferences and meetings. The internship is structured to be full-time and in-person at the Kathmandu duty station, although part-time, remote, or hybrid arrangements may be considered upon request. The intern will work under the supervision of a primary supervisor and will be expected to adhere to the established working hours of five days per week. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in international relations, disarmament, and peacebuilding, as it allows for hands-on experience in a dynamic and impactful environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to:

• Assisting in drafting and preparing official documents related to disarmament and peace initiatives.
• Conducting document, legal, and internet research to support the Regional Centre's activities.
• Providing logistical support during conferences and meetings, including preparing materials and coordinating with participants.
• Working on web presentations and other communication materials to enhance the visibility of UNRCPD's work.
• Supporting the Regional Centre's Public Information efforts as part of the communications team.
• Engaging in discussions and activities related to the key programmatic areas of UNRCPD, including Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conventional Arms and Ammunition, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, and Cross-Cutting Issues such as Gender and Youth.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent). It is important to note that applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. However, a field of study closely related to the internship is required, and applicants must provide proof of their academic status.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. Programme. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to international relations, political science, disarmament studies, or a similar discipline that aligns with the objectives of the internship.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that pertain to the duties of the position. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in the field of political affairs and disarmament.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship programme, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week, totaling 35 hours. Interns will work under the supervision of a professional staff member at UNRCPD and must adhere to the official working hours, which include a one-hour lunch break. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Nepal to discuss their visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are advised to be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.