Internship Positions in the Appeals and Disciplinary Sections

Job Posting Organization:
The internship positions are offered by the Administrative Law Division (ALD) within the Office of Human Resources (OHR), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy, and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various international issues.

Job Overview:
This internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. Interns will be assigned to either the Appeals Section (AS) or the Disciplinary Section (DS) of the ALD. The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the sections. Interns will work full-time, five days a week, under the supervision of a staff member, gaining exposure to the implementation of UN standards of conduct and internal justice matters. This role is particularly suited for individuals who are highly motivated and eager to learn about legal processes in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing advice on appeals and disciplinary matters, conducting legal research, analyzing issues related to the application of Staff Regulations and Rules, assisting counsel in preparing submissions for the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT), drafting legal documents and communications, attending conferences and meetings to take notes, and supporting information and knowledge management practices. The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

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 essential. The ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally be in law, international relations, or a related field that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to the legal field and the specific functions of the Appeals and Disciplinary Sections. This internship is particularly aimed at students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in an international legal context.

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. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and interns are expected to communicate effectively in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This 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 must obtain a G-4 visa for full-time internships. Those on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 or J-1) may only intern part-time. The internship is designed to be in-person and full-time, but may also be conducted remotely or part-time depending on the circumstances of the successful candidates. The application process requires a completed online application, including a cover note and Candidate Profile, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The cover note must detail the candidate's qualifications, availability, and reasons for applying.