Intern - Office of Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a key component of the United Nations, responsible for providing legal advice and support to the organization. Established to ensure that the UN operates within the framework of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, OLA plays a crucial role in the legal affairs of the UN. The office comprises six divisions and offices, each focusing on different aspects of legal work, including international law, ocean affairs, and treaty law. OLA operates globally, with its main office located in New York, and is committed to promoting the rule of law and ensuring that the UN's actions are legally sound. The organization values diversity and aims to achieve gender balance within its workforce, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is designed for highly motivated individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with various divisions and offices of OLA, which include the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Codification Division, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, the General Legal Division, and the Treaty Section. The internship aims to supplement the interns' academic knowledge with hands-on experience in legal affairs, allowing them to apply their skills in a multicultural environment. Interns will be involved in a range of projects and tasks that will enhance their understanding of international law and legal processes, making this a valuable opportunity for those pursuing a career in law.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns at OLA will engage in a variety of responsibilities that are integral to the office's operations. These duties include conducting legal research on international law issues, ocean affairs, and other specialized areas. Interns will assist in reviewing legal documents and instruments, as well as drafting and preparing official legal documents. They will also attend conferences and meetings, taking notes and providing support in servicing these events. Additionally, interns may work on developing websites and presentations, and will perform other duties as assigned by their supervisors. This diverse set of responsibilities is designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the legal work conducted by the United Nations and to help them develop their professional skills.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a degree program in Law. At the time of application, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: they should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). This educational background is essential as it ensures that interns possess the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the legal work of OLA.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship is specifically focused on Law. Applicants must either be currently enrolled in a graduate program or have recently completed their studies in Law. This requirement ensures that interns have the necessary legal knowledge and skills to engage with the complex legal issues they will encounter during their internship. Candidates should have a strong understanding of legal principles and be able to apply their academic learning to real-world legal scenarios within the context of an international organization.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant training, education, or coursework that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This means that while previous work experience is not mandatory, any relevant academic or practical experience in legal studies will be advantageous and may enhance the applicant's suitability for the position.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a mandatory requirement for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also a working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage, further enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to contribute to the diverse linguistic environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, requiring interns to work five days a week under the supervision of managers. However, a hybrid or remote setting may be considered based on requests from successful candidates. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Furthermore, interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional positions within the United Nations Secretariat for six months following the completion of their internship. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. For more information on OLA's mandate and functions, candidates are encouraged to visit the UN's official website.