Intern - Drug Control and Crime Prevention

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC aims to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. UNODC's mission is to promote health, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and justice by addressing the challenges posed by drugs and crime, and it plays a crucial role in supporting international cooperation and the implementation of treaties related to drug control and crime prevention.

Job Overview:
The internship is located in the Conference Support Section (CSS) of the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) within the Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) at UNODC in Vienna, Austria. This position is designed for a period of 6 months, with a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and are expected to start in February 2026, depending on the needs of the Section and candidate availability. The internship is unpaid, and interns will gain valuable experience in legal research, the functioning of intergovernmental bodies, and the structure of UNODC. They will assist in various tasks related to the UNTOC Review Mechanism, which aims to support States Parties in implementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols. Interns will conduct research, prepare materials, and assist in drafting correspondence, among other duties, tailored to their individual backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: 1) Assisting in conducting legal research into States’ efforts to implement the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, selecting relevant materials, analyzing information, and presenting findings for internal review; 2) Reviewing relevant legal documents, papers, or other policy materials to identify important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies; 3) Drafting correspondence to States Parties as required; 4) Assisting the team in servicing intergovernmental processes on transnational organized crime, particularly in relation to the Review Mechanism of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols; 5) Undertaking other tasks and activities as requested by supervisors. Daily responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background and the needs of the Section.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must have a field of study in law or a related area, preferably with a specialization in criminal law or international law. They must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Program, or have completed such programs. Proof of eligibility must be attached to the application.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having recently completed a graduate program in law or a related field, with a preference for those specializing in criminal law or international law. Applicants should be in their final year of a bachelor’s degree program or have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program. An official certificate confirming their academic status will be required at a later stage of the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have relevant academic experience in law or a related field. This could include coursework, research projects, or other academic activities that demonstrate a strong understanding of international law, criminal law, or related subjects. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in these languages will enhance the intern's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Additional Notes:
The 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 Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.