Intern, Political Affairs I (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) is a branch of the United Nations that provides substantive and organizational support to various UN bodies in the area of disarmament. The ODA is dedicated to offering objective, impartial, and up-to-date information on disarmament issues and activities to Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting disarmament-related conferences and initiatives, including the Conference on Disarmament and various conventions related to weapons and arms control. The ODA is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part of the larger UN system, which operates in multiple countries worldwide. The office aims to promote global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through disarmament efforts and international cooperation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to be a full-time, in-person role within the Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva, Switzerland. The internship is unpaid and is expected to last between two to six months, depending on the needs of the branch and the intern's performance. Interns will work under the guidance of an internship coordinator and will be supervised by a staff member in the branch. The role is intended for individuals who are pursuing or have completed a degree in fields related to disarmament, international relations, or political affairs. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the office's mission of supporting disarmament initiatives and providing assistance in drafting documents, conducting research, and participating in conferences. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workings of the United Nations and to contribute to important global disarmament efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the specific tasks assigned to them. Key duties include: assisting in drafting and preparing official documents, press releases, and statements; maintaining records and datasets; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; conducting research, including legal and internet searches; providing assistance during conferences; working on web presentations and enhancing the office's social media presence; and fulfilling other duties as required by the supervising staff member. Interns are expected to embody competencies such as teamwork, planning and organization, and effective communication, which are essential for achieving the office's goals and supporting collaborative efforts within the UN framework.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 be pursuing or have pursued their degree in areas related to disarmament, international relations, or political affairs. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and show a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a degree program relevant to the internship. This includes being a student in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or having completed a master's or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be closely related to the type of internship being applied for, particularly in fields such as international relations, political science, or disarmament studies. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should have a field of study that closely aligns with the internship's focus. This means that applicants should ideally have academic experience or coursework related to disarmament, international relations, or political affairs. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a UN setting and contribute to meaningful disarmament initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is desirable and would be considered an asset for candidates. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication within the UN and for engaging with diverse stakeholders in the field of disarmament.

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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, there is no fee associated with the application or recruitment process for this internship, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage.