Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located in 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. It also 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, you can visit the official UNCITRAL website.

Job Overview:
The internship is an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field of international trade law. Interns will work under the supervision of professional staff at UNCITRAL RCAP and may be required to undertake the internship remotely due to constraints regarding visa issuance and international travel. The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns will be involved in various tasks that support the goals of UNCITRAL, including research, drafting documents, and assisting in the organization of workshops and seminars. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about international law and the work of the United Nations, and who are eager to contribute to the promotion of international trade norms in the Asia-Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting research on international trade law issues, assisting in the preparation of documents and reports, supporting the organization of workshops and seminars, and engaging in coordination activities with other organizations. Interns may also be tasked with drafting summaries of meetings, compiling information for presentations, and assisting in the development of training materials. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Interns will be expected to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and complete tasks that are often time-sensitive.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this 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, and have a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are also essential.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have recently completed such programs. A field of study closely related to international law or trade law is preferred, as it will provide the necessary background for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, it is desirable that applicants have relevant academic experience or coursework related to international trade law or the functions of the United Nations. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to manage time and priorities effectively, ensuring timely completion of assigned tasks.

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. This linguistic proficiency will enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the work of UNCITRAL.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours). Interns are encouraged to take a leave of absence from any current employment during the internship period. 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. It is important for candidates to disclose any current or future employment that may conflict with the internship. A completed online application, including a motivation statement and proof of enrollment or graduation, is required for consideration. Only successful candidates will be contacted.