Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has since grown to include 193 member states. The mission of the UN is 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 is tasked with the progressive harmonization and unification of 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).

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide practical training and experience in international trade law while assisting the officers of ITLD in fulfilling the mandate of UNCITRAL. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the direct supervision of professional staff in either the Legislative Branch or the Non-Legislative Section of ITLD. The internship aims to enhance the intern's understanding of international trade law and the workings of the United Nations. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the development of legal texts and the provision of technical assistance related to UNCITRAL's legal frameworks. This role is particularly suited for individuals who are passionate about international law and the principles upheld by the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities depending on their assignment within the Legislative Branch or the Non-Legislative Section. In the Legislative Branch, interns will assist with research and preparation of comparative legal studies, draft legal texts such as conventions and model laws, and undertake ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested. In the Non-Legislative Section, interns will contribute to identifying legislative reform needs, assist in collecting and analyzing case law related to UNCITRAL texts, help maintain the UNCITRAL website, and support the coordination functions of the Division. This diverse set of duties will provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes and challenges in international trade law.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is necessary for the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program or have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be closely related to the internship's focus on international trade law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and principles that govern international trade.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. This could include studies in law, international relations, or trade law, which will provide the necessary foundation for the tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory, with oral and written proficiency required for the internship. Knowledge of both working languages or an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. 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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application and selection process is free of charge.