Internship in the African Union Partnership Unit (AUPU)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is a global organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various functions including humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and international diplomacy. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The internship is situated within the African Union Partnership Unit (AUPU), which is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The AUPU plays a crucial role in overseeing the strategic, political, and operational partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU), particularly in the realms of peace and security. Interns will be expected to support the AUPU in various capacities, focusing on cooperation between the UN and AU in areas such as conflict prevention, management, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding across Africa. The internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in international relations and diplomacy, allowing interns to engage with significant political and security developments in the region. The position is hybrid, requiring at least four days of in-person attendance per week, and is structured to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months depending on the office's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring and analyzing political and security developments in Africa; providing a news feed on political developments based on situation reports, press clippings, and media reports; summarizing key public and academic articles related to the AU; preparing infographics on relevant developments; assisting in the preparation of briefing materials for senior UN officials; participating in meetings and drafting minutes or summaries; conducting individual research assignments; and performing any other duties as requested by the supervising Political Affairs Officer. This role is designed to enhance the intern's understanding of the UN's operations and its partnership with the AU, while also contributing to the overall mission of promoting peace and security in Africa.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Desirable qualifications include studies or experience related to Africa and/or statistics, as well as proficiency in standard software applications such as MS Word and MS PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background, which may include enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. The focus of their studies should ideally align with the internship's objectives, particularly in areas related to international relations, political science, peace studies, or African studies. This educational foundation will equip interns with the necessary analytical and research skills required for the role.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates are expected to have a strong academic background and relevant coursework that demonstrates their understanding of the political and security landscape in Africa. Any internships or volunteer experiences related to international organizations, diplomacy, or conflict resolution will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official UN language, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application, particularly given the focus on African partnerships.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must obtain a G-4 visa to undertake the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that all applicants must be authorized to work in the country where the internship will be conducted, whether remotely, in a hybrid format, or on-site. The organization also highlights that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and does not require applicants to provide bank account information.