Intern for Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees across the globe. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Mine Action and Police (OMAP) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in political affairs, particularly in the context of peace and security operations. Interns will engage in monitoring activities in relevant countries, conducting research, and supporting the drafting of important documents for senior UN officials. The role is primarily focused on assisting with thematic policy issues such as conflict prevention, human rights, and peacebuilding. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and gain insights into the workings of the UN, while contributing to significant projects that impact global peace and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks including monitoring political developments in relevant regions, attending meetings, and preparing concise summary notes with action points. They will conduct research on thematic topics and prepare summary reports on developments in inter-governmental fora. Additionally, interns will support the drafting of notes, background papers, talking points, presentations, and speeches for senior UN officials. They will also assist in planning and implementing meetings, events, and other activities, as well as coordinating and consolidating information for reports in accordance with standard UN practices. Other related duties may be assigned as required, providing a comprehensive experience in political affairs within the UN framework.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must provide proof of their academic status and may need to submit an official certificate at a later stage.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in a field relevant to political affairs, international relations, peace studies, or a related discipline. The educational background should align with the thematic areas covered by the internship, ensuring that interns have the necessary theoretical foundation to engage effectively in the tasks assigned.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills through their studies. Experience in research, writing, and analysis, particularly in the context of international relations or political affairs, will be beneficial. Interns should be prepared to apply their academic learning in a practical setting and contribute to the UN's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although part-time arrangements (20 hours per week) or remote work may be considered based on the successful candidate's needs. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G-4 visa is necessary to undertake the internship in the United States. The UN emphasizes gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants must also ensure they are authorized to work in the country where the internship will take place, whether remotely or on-site.