Internship with the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict

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 human rights, development, and humanitarian issues. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals across different sectors and has numerous specialized agencies and programs dedicated to specific areas of international concern.

Job Overview:
The internship is situated within the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE), which operates under the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC). The TOE was established following United Nations Security Council resolution 1888 (2009) to assist national authorities in enhancing the rule of law and ensuring accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. This internship offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious international organization, contributing to critical work that addresses issues of sexual violence in conflict zones. Interns will engage in various tasks that support the team's objectives, including monitoring developments in relevant countries, assisting with administrative duties, and participating in the organization of events and meetings. The internship is designed to be flexible, allowing for both full-time and part-time commitments, with a minimum requirement of four to five days of work per week, totaling 20-35 hours. The duration of the internship is initially set for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the TOE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to perform a range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the monitoring of developments in countries of interest to the TOE; assisting with routine administrative tasks related to the TOE's work and its support to the Office of the SRSG-SVC; helping to organize conferences, events, and meetings; taking notes and writing summaries or action points from internal and external meetings; conducting research and assisting TOE members with related tasks; accompanying TOE members to meetings with delegates from Permanent Missions and other Secretariat offices, as well as sessions of the Security Council, General Assembly, and other multilateral meetings; preparing public information and social media materials, presentations, and documents for TOE members; and performing any other functions as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled in or having completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or being enrolled in or having completed the final academic year of a university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Candidates must also exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. A degree in law is preferred for this internship, although no prior work experience is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be currently enrolled in a relevant academic program. This includes those pursuing a graduate degree or those in their final year of undergraduate studies. A background in law is particularly advantageous for this internship, as it aligns closely with the work of the TOE, which focuses on legal frameworks and accountability related to sexual violence in conflict.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in an international setting, particularly in the field of human rights and legal accountability.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute effectively to the team's work.

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 will need to obtain a G4 visa and ensure they have valid employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT) to undertake the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.