Intern in the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD)

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 humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees across the globe. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and peacebuilding. The intern will be placed in the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of the UN's Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The internship is full-time, requiring 35 hours per week, and is primarily in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York. However, there is flexibility for part-time or hybrid arrangements based on the intern's needs. The intern will contribute to the daily operations of the Eastern Europe team, which focuses on political and security developments in 12 countries and three regional organizations. This role is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in understanding the UN's approach to peace and security issues, as well as gaining insights into the workings of international diplomacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties will include monitoring media reports and political developments in the Eastern Europe region, conducting background research and analysis on relevant issues, and reporting on meetings of the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The intern will also attend various meetings and events, preparing summary notes and providing logistical support for organizing these events. Additionally, the intern will prepare briefing materials for senior officials and perform other duties as assigned by the team. This role is crucial for supporting the team's efforts in crisis monitoring and response, as well as contributing to strategic guidance and operational support for peace initiatives.

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 later in the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to international relations, political science, peace studies, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the UN's work in peace and security, as well as the specific challenges faced by the Eastern Europe team.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include research projects, volunteer work, or participation in relevant extracurricular activities that showcase the candidate's interest and commitment to international affairs and peacebuilding.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French, one of the UN's official working languages, is considered an advantage. Additionally, familiarity with other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish may enhance a candidate's application, reflecting the UN's commitment to linguistic diversity and effective communication in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, with a possibility of part-time arrangements. The duration of the internship is three months, with the potential for extension up to six months. The United Nations is dedicated to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, encouraging female candidates to apply. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this internship. Furthermore, family members of active UN staff members are also ineligible. Candidates must submit a complete online application, including a motivational statement detailing their availability, degree title, graduation date, and reasons for their candidacy. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses, and must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of the internship location.