Internship at UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific

Job Posting Organization:
The UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNCITRAL RCAP) is a unit within the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. Established to enhance international trade and development in the Asia-Pacific region, the Centre promotes certainty in international commercial transactions by disseminating international trade norms and standards, particularly those developed by UNCITRAL. The Centre also provides technical assistance to States regarding the adoption and uniform interpretation of UNCITRAL texts, coordinates with international and regional organizations involved in trade law reform, 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 at UNCITRAL RCAP is designed to provide interns with practical experience in the field of international trade law. Interns will work under the direct supervision of professional staff and are expected to contribute to various projects and activities of the Centre. The internship is unpaid and requires full-time commitment, although there may be opportunities for remote work depending on visa and travel constraints. Interns will assist in preparing substantive documents related to the Centre's operations, contribute to identifying legislative reform needs, analyze case law, maintain the Centre's web page, and support coordination functions. This role is ideal for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in international law and trade, while also developing their research and analytical skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including: assisting officers with the preparation of substantive documents related to the Centre's operations; contributing to the identification of legislative reform needs and technical assistance requirements in selected countries or sectors; collecting and analyzing case law on UNCITRAL texts and national legislation; assisting in the development and maintenance of the Centre’s web page; preparing publicity materials; supporting coordination functions; and undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested. Interns are expected to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion of assignments, which may often be time-sensitive.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or 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, and PowerPoint, with familiarity in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, WordPress, HTML, and electronic document management considered advantageous. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential, as well as 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 enrolled in or have recently completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. It is important that the field of study is closely related to the internship type being applied for, as this will enhance the relevance of the internship experience and the contributions made by the intern.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is essential that candidates have a field of study that closely relates to the internship they are applying for. This ensures that interns can effectively engage with the tasks assigned and contribute meaningfully to the Centre's objectives. Interns should also demonstrate the ability to manage their time and priorities effectively, especially in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. Additionally, familiarity with regional languages such as Japanese or Korean would also be beneficial, enhancing communication and understanding within the context of the internship.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of five days per week (40 hours). Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. It is strongly encouraged that applicants who are currently employed take a leave of absence or discontinue their employment during the internship period. While part-time internships may be possible, priority will be given to candidates who can commit to a full-time schedule. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates selected for the internship must disclose any current or future employment that coincides with the internship, as failure to do so may result in retraction of the internship offer or termination. A completed online application, including a Motivation Statement and proof of enrollment or graduation, is required, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Motivation Statement must address specific questions regarding the applicant's degree program, graduation date, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship.