Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located at the UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNCITRAL RCAP), which is a unit within the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. The UNCITRAL RCAP was established to enhance international trade and development in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting certainty in international commercial transactions through the dissemination of international trade norms and standards. The organization provides technical assistance to States regarding the adoption and uniform interpretation of UNCITRAL texts, engages in coordination activities with international and regional organizations, and serves as a communication channel between States in the region and UNCITRAL. For more information, visit https://uncitral.un.org and https://uncitral.un.org/en/TA/regionalcentre_asia_pacific.

Job Overview:
The internship is an unpaid, full-time position based in Incheon, Republic of Korea, under the direct supervision of professional staff at the UNCITRAL RCAP. The intern will be involved in various tasks that support the operations and activities of the Regional Centre. These tasks include assisting in the preparation of substantive documents related to the Centre's operations, contributing to identifying legislative reform needs, collecting and analyzing case law, maintaining the Centre's web page, and assisting with coordination functions. The intern may also be required to undertake the internship remotely due to constraints regarding visa issuance and international travel. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into international trade law and the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting officers of the UNCITRAL RCAP in preparing substantive documents related to the Centre's operations and activities, including organizing conferences.
• Contributing to the identification of legislative reform needs and technical assistance requirements in selected countries and/or sectors within the region.
• Assisting with the collection and analysis of case law on UNCITRAL texts, national legislation, and legal developments in the region.
• Helping develop and maintain the Centre’s web page and preparing publicity materials.
• Supporting the coordination functions of the Centre.
• Undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (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). Additionally, applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, WordPress, HTML, and electronic document management is advantageous. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals is essential, as is the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have recently completed such programs. It is important that the field of study is closely related to the type of internship being applied for, as this will enhance the relevance of the internship experience.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, it is essential that applicants have a field of study closely related to the internship type. The ability to manage time and priorities effectively is desirable, as tasks are often time-sensitive. Interns should also be able to interact well with people from various social and cultural backgrounds, especially in potentially stressful environments.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, as well as regional languages like Japanese or Korean, would be an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours) under supervision. Applicants currently employed are encouraged to take a leave of absence or discontinue employment during the internship. While part-time internships may be possible, priority will be given to candidates who can commit to full-time work. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Korea may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants must submit a complete online application, including a motivation statement and proof of enrollment or graduation.