Intern - Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a key entity within the United Nations system, established to combat drugs and crime globally. It was founded in 1997 and operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to promote global adherence to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols. UNODC works to strengthen the capacities of Member States in preventing and combating crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling, through technical cooperation and policy development. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and ensuring the rights of individuals affected by crime and drug abuse.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) of the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) at UNODC in Vienna. Interns will play a crucial role in supporting the Section's efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling through various tasks that contribute to the organization's mission. Interns will engage in substantive, organizational, and logistical support, focusing on research, analysis, and the preparation of training materials. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, human rights, and the work of the United Nations, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and impactful environment. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to work either in-person or remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the daily operations of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section. These tasks include performing background research and analysis on country situations, trends, and legal frameworks related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Interns will assist in providing technical support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of regional and national technical assistance projects. They will also help prepare training materials for capacity-building workshops, collect and analyze case-law, and manage information on relevant UNODC online platforms. Additionally, interns will identify areas for knowledge development, assist in organizing intergovernmental meetings and events, contribute to drafting official UNODC submissions, and liaise with various stakeholders within the UN and external organizations. Other responsibilities may include preparing briefing notes, statements, presentations, and compiling press clippings related to trafficking and smuggling.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this 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 level). Relevant fields of study include criminology, law, political or social sciences, international relations, or related disciplines. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, good drafting abilities, and proficiency in standard software applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate school program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Candidates should have a focus on fields relevant to the work of UNODC, such as criminology, law, political science, social sciences, or international relations. Official written proof from the university supporting the applicant's eligibility must be attached to the application.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its principles. Experience in research, analysis, or any relevant field related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling will be considered an asset, but the internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates seeking to gain practical experience in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. 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, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.