Legal Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a key component of the United Nations, responsible for providing legal advice and services to the organization. Established to support the UN's mission, OLA operates with a diverse team of legal professionals and interns who contribute to various legal matters affecting international relations and global governance. OLA is committed to fostering a multicultural environment and enhancing the legal framework within which the UN operates, ensuring that its actions are in compliance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The office is located in New York City and consists of six divisions, each focusing on different aspects of legal affairs, including ocean law, treaty law, and general legal counsel. OLA plays a crucial role in the UN's efforts to maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote human rights, and facilitate international cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Legal intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced legal professionals and will be assigned to various projects and tasks that align with their interests and qualifications. The internship is designed to enhance the interns' understanding of legal affairs in a multicultural intergovernmental organization, providing them with the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. Interns will engage in a variety of activities, including legal research, document review, and drafting legal materials, all of which are essential for the functioning of the Office of Legal Affairs. This position is ideal for those who are passionate about international law and wish to contribute to the UN's mission while developing their professional skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a wide range of responsibilities that support the work of the Office of Legal Affairs. These duties include: conducting legal research on international law issues, ocean affairs, and other specialized areas; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting and preparing official legal documents; attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, and providing logistical support; assisting in the organization and servicing of conferences; working on the development of websites and presentations; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. The internship provides a comprehensive overview of the legal functions within the UN and allows interns to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Required Qualifications:
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: 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). Additionally, candidates should possess strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural team setting. Familiarity with international law and the workings of the United Nations is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a law degree program. This can be at either the undergraduate or graduate level, with a focus on international law, human rights law, or related fields. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and practices, as well as coursework that demonstrates their commitment to pursuing a career in legal affairs within an international context.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. Experience in legal research, writing, or involvement in legal clinics or moot court competitions can be beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, proficiency in another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage and could further strengthen a candidate's application.

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 United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. Furthermore, interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional positions within the UN for six months following the completion of their internship. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply for this internship program. Lastly, it is emphasized that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.