Internship in International Trade Law Division

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located in the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. 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 ITLD serves as the substantive secretariat for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to harmonize and unify international trade law. UNCITRAL is recognized as the core legal body of the UN system in this field, focusing primarily on commercial law and maintaining a limited interaction with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The division comprises a Legislative Branch and a Non-legislative Section, which work on developing legislative texts and providing technical assistance, respectively. The organization operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and is committed to advancing the rule of law in international trade.

Job Overview:
The internship aims to assist the officers of the International Trade Law Division in fulfilling the mandate of UNCITRAL while providing practical training to the intern. Interns will gain valuable experience in international trade law, working full-time (40 hours per week) under the direct supervision of professional staff. The internship is unpaid and lasts between 2 to 6 months. Interns will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the work of the Legislative Branch and the Non-legislative Section, allowing them to engage with real-world legal issues and gain insights into the workings of international trade law.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have specific assignments in both the Legislative Branch and the Non-legislative Section. In the Legislative Branch, responsibilities include assisting with research and preparation of comparative legal studies, drafting legal texts such as conventions and model laws, and undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested. In the Non-legislative Section, interns will contribute to identifying legislative reform needs and assistance requirements in selected countries or sectors, assist with the collection and analysis of case law related to UNCITRAL texts, help maintain the UNCITRAL website, and support the coordination functions of the Division. These duties will provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the legislative processes and the practical application of international trade law.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Applicants 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. A field of study closely related to international trade law is required, ensuring that interns have the necessary academic background to engage with the tasks assigned during the internship.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is essential that candidates have a relevant academic background in a field related to the internship. This ensures that interns can effectively contribute to the work of the International Trade Law Division and gain meaningful experience during their time with the organization.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is required for the internship, with oral and written proficiency necessary for effective communication. Knowledge of both working languages or an additional official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria 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 organization prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.