Legal Internship – Corporate and Institutional Law Team

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead agency on international development, established to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality across the globe. Operating in 170 countries and territories, UNDP focuses on developing policies, enhancing leadership skills, and building institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes sustainable development, democratic governance, peace building, and climate resilience. The Office of Legal Services (OLS) within the Bureau for Management Services (BMS) serves as in-house counsel, providing legal advice and assistance on various matters related to UNDP's operations. OLS is divided into three operational teams: Corporate and Institutional Team (C&I), Programmes and Projects Team (P&P), and Administrative Law Team (AL).

Job Overview:
The Legal internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship position within the Corporate and Institutional Law Practice (C&I) at UNDP is designed to support the team in handling institutional and commercial legal matters. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that include reviewing legal documents, conducting legal research, and assisting in the drafting of legal communications. The C&I Team is responsible for managing contracts with vendors and consultants, addressing disputes, and developing corporate legal templates. This internship offers a hands-on experience with significant interaction with experienced legal professionals, providing an opportunity to learn about the legal framework governing UNDP's operations and to contribute to ongoing legal matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with reviewing documents, including standard and non-standard legal instruments and contracts related to UNDP's operations. They will support the review of disputes and claims, conduct legal research on complex issues, and draft legal documents and communications. Additionally, the intern will assist in training sessions aimed at promoting awareness of UNDP's legal framework among internal stakeholders. General support to the C&I Team on ongoing matters, knowledge management, and team operations will also be part of the responsibilities. This role is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes within UNDP and to foster professional development in the legal field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program in law; be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program in law or a related subject; be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in law or a related subject; or have recently graduated with a university degree in law and must start the internship within one year of graduation. Previous experience in a legal context is considered an asset, as is knowledge of the UN system and UNDP's operations.

Educational Background:
Applicants are required to have a background in law, either through enrollment in a bachelor's or master's degree program or through participation in a postgraduate professional traineeship program. The internship is particularly suited for those who are in their final year of study or have recently graduated, as it provides practical experience in a legal setting.

Experience:
While previous experience in a legal context is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, allowing them to gain practical experience and insight into the workings of legal operations within a major international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate within the diverse linguistic environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, but interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend that varies based on the duty location. Interns must provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship. They are not considered staff and are not covered by UN Staff Regulations and Rules. The application process requires submission of a cover letter and a CV, grouped into a single PDF document. Selected candidates will need to provide additional documentation, including a medical certificate, proof of health insurance, and official enrollment confirmation from their university.