Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

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 within the United Nations framework. This internship is structured to be full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, although it can be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) based on the successful candidate's needs. The internship is unpaid and is expected to last for an initial period of two months for full-time interns or four months for part-time interns, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months. The intern will work remotely and will be integrated into the Security Sector Reform and Governance Standing Capacity (SSuRGe) team, reporting directly to the Chief of the SSuRGe team based in Brindisi, Italy. The role involves supporting various activities at the country and regional levels, conducting research, drafting official documents, and assisting in data management and meeting organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting country- and regional-level backstopping activities; gathering, researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources; assisting in the drafting of official documents such as minutes, briefing notes, and draft notes; aiding in the planning and preparatory efforts for field support; managing data and information, including monitoring; supporting the organization of meetings; and performing other duties as required by the team. This role is crucial for the effective functioning of the SSuRGe team and contributes to the overall mission of the United Nations in promoting security sector reform and governance.

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 for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided with the application. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the team’s work.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include previous internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to political affairs, international relations, or governance.

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 French is considered desirable, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the team and the projects being undertaken.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be wary of any fraudulent requests for payment. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization. The UN encourages female candidates to apply and emphasizes its commitment to gender balance and diversity in its workforce.