Legal Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. The organization employs thousands of staff members across its various fields of operation, working tirelessly to uphold the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position at the UNRWA Jordan Field Office is designed for individuals who are currently enrolled in a graduate program in law or have recently graduated. The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of the Field Legal Office (FLO) and will be involved in a variety of legal tasks that support the agency's mandate. The intern will provide legal support on disciplinary and administrative law matters, conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and assist in resolving legal issues related to the privileges and immunities of the agency and its personnel. This role is crucial for ensuring that UNRWA operates within the legal frameworks applicable to its work, particularly in relation to human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law. The intern will also have the opportunity to engage with staff through presentations and training sessions, contributing to the overall legal awareness within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include providing legal support on various matters, such as analyzing cases, drafting legal opinions, and preparing legal documents. They will conduct in-depth legal research on administrative, human resources, and public international law matters, ensuring compliance with UNRWA regulations. The intern will draft, review, and finalize a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, official correspondence, and reports. They will also support the resolution of issues related to the agency's privileges and immunities, advise on administrative law matters, and assist in reviewing legal issues related to UNRWA's internal governance. Additionally, the intern will prepare presentations to raise awareness among staff and participate in legal meetings and training sessions, contributing to the overall functioning of the Legal Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program in law or have recently graduated, with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or contract law. They should have completed at least two full academic years of study towards a law degree, with relevant coursework. While professional work experience is not mandatory, any prior experience in legal settings will be considered an advantage. The intern should possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively while managing tight deadlines. Strong organizational skills and proficiency in standard software applications are also required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in law, specifically focusing on areas such as public international law, administrative law, or contract law. A solid academic background with relevant coursework is essential, as it will provide the necessary foundation for the legal tasks the intern will undertake.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, any relevant experience in legal research, writing, or administrative law will be viewed favorably. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a legal environment, particularly within an international organization.

Languages:
A strong command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as the intern will be required to draft legal documents and communicate effectively with staff. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with local staff and understand regional legal contexts.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last for six months or more and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Jordan to discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.