Legal Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is an organization established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. The agency's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. UNRWA employs approximately 30,000 staff members and is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees, ensuring their access to basic services and advocating for their rights on the international stage.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position at UNRWA's Lebanon Field Office is designed for individuals who are currently enrolled in a graduate law program or have recently graduated. The intern will work under the supervision of the Head of the Field Legal Office (FLO) and will be involved in various legal matters, particularly those related to administrative and disciplinary law. The intern will be expected to provide legal support by analyzing cases, drafting legal opinions, and preparing legal documents. Additionally, the intern will conduct legal research on various topics, including human resources and public international law, and will assist in the preparation of legal documents and reports that align with UNRWA's mandate and humanitarian principles. This role is crucial for supporting the legal framework within which UNRWA operates and for ensuring compliance with international law and UNRWA regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing legal support on disciplinary and administrative law matters, which involves analyzing cases and drafting legal opinions.
• Conducting in-depth legal research on administrative, human resources, and public international law matters, including international human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law.
• Drafting, reviewing, and finalizing a variety of legal documents such as official correspondence, contracts, and reports.
• Supporting the resolution of legal issues related to the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and its personnel.
• Advising on administrative law and internal justice matters, focusing on staff misconduct and governance issues.
• Assisting in the review of UNRWA's administrative issuances to ensure legal compliance.
• Preparing presentations to raise awareness among staff on legal matters.
• Participating in legal meetings and training sessions, including notetaking and report preparation.
• Performing other related legal duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program in law (Master’s degree or equivalent) or have recently graduated with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, contract, or commercial law. It is essential that applicants have completed at least two full academic years of study towards a law degree, with relevant coursework in public international law, administrative law, and contract or commercial law. While prior work experience is not mandatory, it is considered an advantage for applicants.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in or have completed a graduate law program. Specifically, applicants should have completed at least two years of academic study in law, focusing on areas such as public international law, administrative law, and contract or commercial law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and issues that the intern will encounter during their tenure.

Experience:
While the internship does not require professional work experience, having prior experience in legal settings or related fields can be beneficial. The role is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a legal environment, particularly within an international organization like UNRWA.

Languages:
A strong command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for drafting legal documents, conducting research, and communicating effectively within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
This 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 Lebanon may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with UNRWA prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.