Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA) is part of the United Nations system, established to ensure that the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are prioritized in the response of the United Nations. The OVRA was created following the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly, which outlined a new approach to protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. The organization operates globally, focusing on the United Nations' commitment to uphold human rights and provide support to victims.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern will be an integral part of the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate, contributing to the mission of ensuring that victims' rights are at the forefront of the United Nations' response to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse. The intern will work under the supervision of a Human Rights Officer, engaging in various tasks that support the office's objectives. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and the work of the United Nations, providing an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a high-impact environment. The intern will be expected to conduct research, draft policy papers, and assist in communication efforts, all while developing a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding victims' rights within the UN framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting research and analysis on issues pertinent to the work of the Victims' Rights Advocate; preparing short policy papers on relevant topics; drafting notes, background papers, speeches, and other materials; attending meetings and conferences to take notes; providing support for meetings involving Senior Victims' Rights Officers; assisting in outreach and public information activities; and performing other related tasks as assigned. This position requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications and possess a strong interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to its ideals. Additionally, the ability to interact effectively with individuals from various cultural backgrounds is essential, showcasing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background, either having completed or being in the process of completing a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree. This educational foundation should ideally be in fields related to international relations, human rights, political science, or a similar discipline that aligns with the work of the United Nations and the specific mandate of the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and human rights. The focus is on the candidate's educational background and skills rather than previous job experience, allowing for a diverse range of applicants to be considered.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application, reflecting the multilingual nature of the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered in-person in New York and is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on satisfactory performance. The desired start date is January or February 202

• It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens must obtain a G4 visa and ensure they have the necessary work authorization to undertake the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.