Legal Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM operates under the auspices of the United Nations and aims to ensure accountability for core international crimes, thereby contributing to the rule of law and justice in Syria. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and international humanitarian law, and it engages in thorough investigations to support jurisdictions pursuing accountability. The IIIM is a relatively new entity, reflecting the UN's ongoing commitment to addressing serious violations of international law and promoting justice for victims. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, focusing on international law and human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position at the IIIM-Syria offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in international law, humanitarian law, and human rights. The intern will provide crucial legal and analytical support to the Investigations and Analysis Section (IAS) of the IIIM. This role involves reviewing and analyzing evidence, conducting open-source research, and engaging in legal research and drafting. The intern will contribute to the development of legal and analytical products that support the IIIM's structural investigation, which is essential for jurisdictions pursuing accountability for serious crimes committed in Syria since 201

• This internship is designed to enhance the intern's analytical and legal skills while providing firsthand experience of the workings of a UN international accountability mechanism. The intern will report directly to a Legal Officer in the IAS and will be involved in producing analytical outputs, including reports and legal briefs, which are critical to the IIIM's strategic inquiries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Legal Intern include: - Reviewing and analyzing relevant information and evidence to support investigations; - Summarizing analytical findings in concise written reports; - Conducting targeted open-source research as directed by Legal Officers; - Performing legal research on various assigned issues related to international criminal, humanitarian, and human rights law; - Preparing legal memoranda based on research findings; - Assisting Legal Officers and Analysts in drafting and preparing legal and analytical outputs; - Engaging with materials that may contain distressing subject matter, and maintaining confidentiality regarding all unpublished information obtained during the internship.

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); (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, such as law, criminal law, international law, humanitarian law, or human rights, is essential. Additionally, applicants must possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, Excel, and MS Teams, and must be willing to engage with sensitive materials.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of relevant studies must be provided with the application. The field of study should be closely related to the internship, emphasizing law and human rights.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills through their educational background. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of international law and human rights.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of spoken and written Arabic is also required, given the context of the IIIM's work. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is full-time and expected to last between 3 to 6 months, with the exact duration to be discussed with the successful candidate. The position may be remote, hybrid, or in-person, depending on the candidate's preferences and circumstances. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for all related expenses, including travel, visas, accommodation, and living costs. Interns must also secure adequate insurance coverage and sign a statement confirming their understanding of the conditions of service. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications must be submitted in English, including required documents such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a writing sample.