Intern at the Legal Affairs Directorate

Job Posting Organization:
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to facilitate international postal services. It was founded in 1874 and currently comprises 192 member countries. The UPU is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, and its mission is to promote a quality and accessible postal service worldwide, fostering social, cultural, and commercial communication among the global population.

Job Overview:
The UPU is seeking an intern to work under the supervision of the Director of the Legal Affairs Department (DAJ). The intern will engage in research and analysis, preparing draft documents on various legal issues pertinent to the UPU's structure, functions, and activities. The focus will be on public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and administrative law, particularly as they relate to the United Nations common system. The intern will assist in analyzing legal instruments such as treaties and agreements, and will support the Director and DAJ team in providing legal services, preparing background papers, reports, and drafting legal instruments relevant to the UPU's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting thorough research and analysis on legal matters affecting the UPU, particularly in public international law and administrative law. They will prepare draft documents and assist in the preliminary analysis of legal instruments, including treaties, agreements, and regulations. The intern will also help in the synthesis of views and practices on specific legal issues and contribute to the preparation of various legal documents such as treaties, contracts, and internal regulations. This role will require collaboration with the Director and other members of the DAJ to ensure effective legal support for the UPU's initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be law students currently enrolled in a university or institution, or recent law graduates who have completed their studies within six months prior to the internship start date. A strong understanding of public international law, international organizations law, and arbitration law is essential. The minimum age for applicants is 20 years. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the UPU's mission and values, and possess the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will be a law student or a recent law graduate. The educational background should include coursework in public international law, international organizations, and arbitration law. Candidates should be actively pursuing their studies or have recently completed their degree, ensuring they have the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the UPU's legal affairs.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or academic projects related to international law or legal research will be considered an asset. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, thus emphasizing the importance of academic knowledge and the ability to apply it in a practical setting.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of either French or English (UN level III), along with a good command of the other language (UN level II). Proficiency in both languages is crucial for effective communication within the UPU and with its international partners.

Additional Notes:
This internship is specifically reserved for students, and recent graduates who have completed their studies within six months of the announcement are encouraged to apply. The internship is expected to last for six months, starting as soon as possible. It is important to note that the UPU does not provide financial remuneration for interns, and all costs related to travel, 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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before commencing the internship. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.