Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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 assistance, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff, and it actively encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of political affairs within the United Nations framework. The intern will support the Central African Republic Integrated Operational Team (CAR IOT) and will be involved in monitoring and analyzing political and security developments related to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This role requires a commitment of 35 hours per week over a six-month period, during which the intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the mission's objectives. The internship is unpaid and requires the intern to work in-person at the UN premises in New York City. The intern will be expected to provide daily news feeds, draft reports, assist in communication materials, and participate in meetings, thereby gaining valuable insights into the workings of international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities that include: monitoring and analyzing key political and security developments relevant to MINUSCA; providing a daily news feed based on situation reports and media coverage; summarizing public and academic articles related to peacekeeping; drafting weekly reports on the political and security situation for the Security Council; assisting in the preparation of communication materials and presentations; participating in meetings and drafting minutes or summaries; conducting individual research assignments; contributing to briefing materials on peacekeeping issues; and performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors. This role is crucial for supporting the UN's mission in the Central African Republic and will provide the intern with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and operational challenges faced by 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 degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, to effectively perform their duties.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to political affairs, international relations, peace studies, or a related discipline. This includes students in the final year of their undergraduate program, as well as those pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree will be required during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a prerequisite for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to political affairs, international relations, or peacekeeping.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also required, given that it is another working language of the UN Secretariat. Proficiency in additional languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset, but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week for a duration of six months. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their financial situation. The UN also emphasizes the importance of gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Interns who have previously served six months in total as an intern in the UN Common System are not eligible for this position. Additionally, applicants who are related to current UN staff members are also ineligible. Candidates should include a motivational statement detailing their interest in the internship, their degree title, and graduation date, along with their online Personal History Profile that lists past work experiences and references.