Legal Assistant Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established by the United Nations in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges facing the region, including economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, providing technical assistance, conducting research, and facilitating dialogue among member states. ESCWA has a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing the UN's goals and objectives in the region.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the initiatives aimed at enhancing legal accessibility and regulatory consistency in the Arab region. This position involves assisting in research and documentation efforts related to the Oman market study for the building materials sector and broader regional legal frameworks. The intern will engage in analyzing legislation, maintaining legal databases, preparing reports, and contributing to the development of legal resources. The role is designed to strengthen the accessibility and effectiveness of legal and regulatory frameworks across the region, thereby fostering transparent and competitive markets. The intern will be expected to conduct preliminary research on assigned legal topics, particularly those related to the building materials sector in Oman, and provide general project assistance by drafting, editing, and proofreading documents, presentations, and reports that have a legal component.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Assistant Intern include: conducting preliminary research on assigned legal topics, particularly those related to the building materials sector in Oman; providing general project assistance by drafting, editing, and proofreading documents, presentations, and reports with legal components; contributing to the development of reports, country profiles, and related analyses of the Arab Business Legislative Framework (ABLF); gathering and inputting legal data into a computerized database system and contributing to the ongoing updates of the Arab Legislations Portal (ALP); supporting activities related to the legal assessment of the Oman market study for the building material sector; organizing and maintaining electronic legal reference files to ensure quick and efficient information retrieval; and performing additional tasks and assignments as directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following conditions: they must be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications, have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. They should also have the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, demonstrating a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. No previous work experience is required for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being enrolled in a graduate school programme or being in the final academic year of a first university degree programme. Alternatively, applicants who have already graduated with a university degree are also eligible to apply. The focus of the degree should ideally be in law, international relations, or a related field that would provide relevant knowledge and skills for the internship.

Experience:
This internship does not require any previous work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in a professional setting. The emphasis is on the applicant's academic background and their commitment to the ideals of the United Nations rather than on prior work history.

Languages:
For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Knowledge of French is considered desirable but not mandatory. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a duration of two months, and interns must commit to at least two months of full-time work, completing their internship within six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Lebanon may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship.