Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), specifically through its Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The ODA plays a crucial role in advising and assisting the Secretary-General in disarmament matters and implements mandates from various UN bodies. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to international peace and security.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of political affairs, particularly in disarmament and arms control. The intern will work under the guidance of the Chief of CAB and the internship coordinator, engaging in various tasks that contribute to the mission of the ODA. This internship is unpaid and requires full-time, in-person attendance at the New York duty station. Interns will be expected to adhere to official working hours, typically five days a week, with flexibility considered upon request. The role is ideal for students or recent graduates who are passionate about international relations and disarmament issues, providing them with an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while developing their skills and knowledge in a professional setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of the Conventional Arms Branch. These duties include, but are not limited to: drafting and preparing official documents, summaries, talking points, speeches, remarks, and web content; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; conducting research, including document, media, and internet searches; providing support during conferences and meetings; and performing other duties as required by the supervisor. The specific responsibilities may vary based on the intern's background, assigned tasks, and the duration of the internship, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with the intern's skills and interests.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary, ensuring that candidates have relevant academic backgrounds that align with the responsibilities of the position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. This educational requirement ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of political affairs, international relations, or disarmament issues, which are critical for the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to political affairs, disarmament, or international relations. This ensures that interns are equipped with the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the work of the ODA and engage with complex issues in the field of disarmament.

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 an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in any of these languages can enhance the intern's ability to perform their duties and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This 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 the United States 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 prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable for all candidates.