Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern - Anti-Corruption

Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern - Anti-Corruption

UN Offices

February 8, 2026February 21, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support the implementation of international treaties, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). UNODC employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members, including experts in various fields such as law enforcement, legal affairs, and public health, working collaboratively to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the UNODC Corruption and Economic Crime Branch (CEB), focusing on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The intern will engage in legal research and analysis, contributing to the understanding of how different states implement the Convention. This role is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in legal research, data management, and the functioning of intergovernmental bodies. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the UN's mechanisms for combating corruption and will be involved in various thematic workstreams, enhancing their understanding of critical issues such as judicial integrity, whistle-blower protection, and anti-corruption education. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, ideally lasting between 3 to 6 months.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in conducting legal research into states' efforts to implement UNCAC; selecting and analyzing relevant materials; conducting thematic research on the Convention's implementation; reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues; managing data from research projects; drafting correspondence to states parties; and performing other duties as assigned. The intern will also have the chance to engage with various thematic areas of CEB, gaining insights into the UN's approach to corruption and economic crime.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently 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). Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications, and experience in data analytics is considered an asset. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Official written proof from the university supporting the applicant's eligibility must be attached to the application. This ensures that candidates have the necessary academic background to engage with the complex issues surrounding corruption and economic crime.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship's focus. This allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing their learning experience and contributing to the UN's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge or fluency in another official UN language, such as French, is highly desirable and considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.
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