Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Conduct and Discipline Service (CDS) of the Administrative Law Division (ALD) within the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has 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, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various humanitarian and development efforts. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various departments and services, working collaboratively to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship position is designed for individuals seeking to gain professional experience in the field of conduct and discipline within an international organization. Interns will be involved in various tasks that support the implementation of the United Nations standards of conduct for personnel, including both civilian and uniformed staff. The internship is structured to provide a practical educational experience, allowing interns to work in a multicultural environment while contributing to the UN's mission. Interns will work under the supervision of a Conduct and Discipline Officer and will be expected to engage in full-time work, typically five days a week, for a duration of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months based on the needs of the CDS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation of advice on conduct and discipline matters; reviewing conduct and discipline-related policy documents to support necessary revisions and updates; drafting various legal documents and communications; attending conferences and meetings to take notes; supporting information and knowledge management practices; and working on the Conduct and Discipline website and presentations. These tasks are designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in legal affairs and the workings of the UN.

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 level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word and MS PowerPoint, is required, and the ability to draft news articles or social media posts is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate may be required later in the process.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable experience in the field of legal affairs and conduct within an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in any additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G-4 visa for full-time internships. The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the CDS. The application process requires a completed online application, including a cover note and Personal History Profile (PHP), and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.