Internship with the Afghanistan Team

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, human rights, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees across the globe. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of international relations, specifically focusing on the Afghanistan Team within the Asia and the Pacific Division of the United Nations. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UN's efforts in conflict prevention and resolution, particularly in relation to Afghanistan. The role is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last for three months, with a possibility of extension. The intern will work closely with the Team Leader and contribute to the team's objectives by monitoring developments in Afghanistan, drafting documents, and assisting in the organization of meetings and strategic communications. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain insight into the workings of the UN and the complexities of international diplomacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that are integral to the functioning of the Afghanistan Team. These include:

• Monitoring and analyzing political, security, and operational developments related to the UN's mandate in Afghanistan, with a focus on human rights and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) issues.
• Drafting various documents such as briefing notes, meeting notes, and talking points to support the team's initiatives.
• Taking notes during meetings and conferences to ensure accurate records of discussions and decisions.
• Assisting in organizing meetings of Special Envoys on Afghanistan and related activities, ensuring all logistical aspects are managed effectively.
• Supporting the development of strategic communications, presentations, and visualizations that convey the team's work and objectives.
• Assisting in data collection and information management to facilitate informed decision-making within the team.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). While professional work experience is not mandatory, a field of study closely related to international relations, conflict prevention, or human rights is required. A demonstrated interest in Afghanistan and knowledge of the region will be considered advantageous. Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and have the ability to draft news articles or social media posts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a high school diploma as a minimum. However, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. program. The ideal candidate will have coursework related to international relations, conflict prevention, and human rights, which aligns with the internship's focus. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement 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 international relations, political science, or human rights. The emphasis is on the applicant's educational background and demonstrated interest in the subject matter.

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 an additional UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the applicant's profile. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and another UN language will be beneficial in fulfilling the internship's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that they will be responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The expected duration of the internship is three to six months, with a desired start date of June 15, 2026, or sooner. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this internship. Additionally, candidates related to active UN staff members are also ineligible. A complete online application, including a motivational statement and personal history profile, is required for consideration.