Legal Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), which operates under the auspices of the United Nations. The IIMM was established to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in Myanmar. The organization aims to support accountability for these crimes and to provide assistance to national and international judicial mechanisms. The IIMM is part of a broader UN effort to address human rights violations and promote justice in Myanmar, and it operates with a commitment to uphold the principles of the United Nations, including respect for human rights and the rule of law. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position is a full-time role based in Geneva, Switzerland, within the Collection, Analysis and Sharing Section (CASS) of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). The intern will work under the supervision of a Legal Officer, Investigator, or Analyst, gaining valuable experience in the field of international law. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in legal research and analysis, particularly in relation to international and national criminal law, international human rights law, and public international law. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with complex legal issues and contribute to the preparation of briefing papers, reports, and public information materials. The role may also involve assisting in the compilation and review of documentation and evidence, proof-reading and editing legal documents, and drafting meeting records. Interns should be prepared to work with sensitive materials that may contain violent imagery and distressing subject matters, which is an integral part of the work conducted by the IIMM.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Intern include conducting legal research and preparing analyses on various issues related to international and national criminal law, international human rights law, and public international law. Interns will also conduct research on factual and policy issues relevant to the work of the IIMM. They will contribute to the preparation of briefing papers, reports, and public information materials, assisting in the compilation and review of information, documentation, and evidence. Additionally, interns will be responsible for proof-reading and editing documents, as well as drafting meeting records. The role requires a proactive approach to learning and engaging with the work of the IIMM, and interns will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with Legal Officers, Investigators, and Analysts within CASS.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Applicants must be enrolled in the final year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), or in an advanced university degree (Master’s, or PhD Programme or equivalent), or must have completed a university degree maximum one year before the date of their application. It is essential for applicants to provide proof of their qualifications and to elaborate on their relevant coursework, particularly in international criminal, humanitarian, or human rights law or related areas. Training or academic experience in legal research or analysis in these fields is desirable, and candidates should provide examples of such experience if applicable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or enrollment in or completion of the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Applicants must demonstrate that they have undertaken studies in international criminal, humanitarian, or human rights law or related areas, and they should be prepared to provide details of their coursework and academic achievements.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, they must have undertaken studies in relevant fields such as international criminal, humanitarian, or human rights law. Any prior experience in legal research or analysis, particularly in these areas, is considered desirable. Candidates should provide examples of any relevant internships or work experiences, especially if they have previously worked with a UN entity or have knowledge of the Myanmar context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While proficiency in French is not mandatory, it is considered an asset for candidates applying for this position. Interns should be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.