Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (O-SRSG-SVC), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat. This office was established to address the critical issue of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as a matter of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The SRSG-SVC was mandated by the United Nations Security Council resolution 1888 in 2009, which aimed to tackle various forms of sexual violence that occur during armed conflicts. The office serves as a political advocate and spokesperson for the United Nations on issues related to CRSV, including various forms of sexual violence such as rape, sexual slavery, and trafficking. The organization is committed to promoting human rights and addressing serious violations that occur in conflict situations, and it operates globally to support its mission.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to support the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (O-SRSG-SVC) in various research tasks that align with its mandate. Interns will engage in research related to the design, implementation, and adjustment of United Nations sanctions measures concerning CRSV. The role is crucial in assisting the office to monitor developments in countries of interest and to conduct literature reviews and thematic research on priority areas. Interns will also have the opportunity to contribute to the office's reporting and participate in relevant meetings, providing a comprehensive experience in the workings of the United Nations and its approach to addressing sexual violence in conflict situations. The internship is unpaid and can be either full-time or part-time, with a preference for full-time commitment. Interns are expected to work four to five days a week, totaling 20-35 hours, and the specific work hours will be determined through discussions with supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities, which may include: monitoring relevant developments in countries of interest; conducting literature and desk reviews on key thematic areas related to the CRSV mandate; performing analytical research on sanctions measures related to CRSV; selecting, classifying, and recording sanctions information in databases; assisting with data visualization and innovative information presentation; supporting the mandate’s reporting by contributing to reports for the Secretary-General; aiding in the office's participation in meetings of the Security Council, General Assembly, and other relevant bodies; assisting in organizing conferences and events; managing information; and performing routine administrative and logistical tasks as required by the office. Interns will also be expected to support the overall work of the O-SRSG-SVC and undertake any additional tasks assigned by their supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). The field of study should be related to International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Science, or Gender Studies. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and show a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The field of study should be relevant to the work of the United Nations, particularly in areas such as International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Science, or Gender Studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by the O-SRSG-SVC and for contributing effectively to the office's research and advocacy efforts.

Experience:
While no prior work experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme, candidates with experience related to gender-based violence issues, including previous internships or fellowships, are preferred. This preference indicates that while the internship is open to individuals without experience, having relevant experience can enhance a candidate's application and suitability for the role. The internship is an opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context, particularly in the field of international human rights and humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable and can be beneficial for candidates. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the United Nations, where multiple languages are used in official communications and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a period of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months, depending on the needs of the office. It is important to note that the internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory for internships in the United States, and candidates must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.