Internship in the Publication Team of the Treaty Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) 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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries worldwide, employing thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including legal affairs, humanitarian aid, and development. The organization is committed to fostering international collaboration and upholding the principles of the UN Charter.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide valuable experience within the United Nations' Office of Legal Affairs, specifically in the Treaty Section's Publication Team. The intern will work under the supervision of the editor" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">English Editor, engaging in a variety of administrative and research tasks that are crucial for the effective publication of treaties. The role is intended for individuals who are passionate about law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, treaty management, and the intricacies of legal documentation. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to significant projects that enhance the transparency and accessibility of treaty information, thereby supporting the UN's mission of promoting international cooperation and legal standards. The internship is flexible, allowing for both full-time and part-time commitments, with a minimum requirement of 20 hours per week. The expected duration of the internship is a minimum of two months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on performance and organizational needs. The desired start date for the internship ranges from June 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, providing candidates with the opportunity to align their academic schedules with the internship timeline.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks that support the Treaty Section's objectives. Key duties include: • Collecting and compiling information on corrigenda and addenda in the United Nations Treaty Series, ensuring that all updates are accurately documented. • Reviewing treaties to harmonize practices across different units within the UN, contributing to a cohesive approach to treaty management. • Creating glossaries for common treaty types, which will serve as reference materials for staff and stakeholders. • Preparing reports on the publication practices of multilateral treaty depositaries, including specialized agencies, to identify best practices and areas for improvement. • Conducting research and drafting reports on historical practices to establish guidelines for future treaty publication practices. • Reviewing preliminary web-publications to ensure they meet completeness and consistency with established publication standards, thereby enhancing the quality of information available to the public.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications at the time of application: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) Have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) in a field related to translation, publishing, document management, or another area closely related to the work of the Treaty Section. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, law, translation, publishing, or document management. A graduate degree is preferred, but those who have completed their undergraduate studies in related disciplines will also be considered. The educational background should ideally include coursework or practical experience in legal documentation, treaty law, or international relations, providing a solid foundation for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
While prior internship experience is not mandatory, candidates with previous experience in legal research, editing, or publishing will be viewed favorably. Familiarity with the workings of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, will also enhance a candidate's application. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the UN's mission, making it suitable for both recent graduates and current students seeking practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, demonstrating proficiency in legal terminology and documentation. Knowledge of an additional United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse materials and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.