Intern for Political Affairs

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. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, human rights, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Mine Action and Police (OMAP) within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). This role is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in political affairs within a significant international organization. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UN's mission in peace and security, particularly in areas related to conflict prevention, human rights, and strategic communications. The internship is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the UN's operations and the specific functions of OMAP, allowing interns to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for monitoring activities in relevant countries and regions, identifying trends, and assessing emerging political and operational issues that may affect OMAP activities. They will attend meetings and prepare concise summary notes with action points, conduct research on thematic topics, and monitor developments in inter-governmental fora related to policy and operational priorities. Additionally, interns will support OMAP Front Office priorities, assist in drafting notes, background papers, talking points, presentations, and speeches for senior UN officials. They will also engage in public outreach, including digital strategic communications, and support the planning and implementation of meetings, events, and other activities. Furthermore, interns will coordinate, collect, and consolidate information for reports and prepare submissions in accordance with standard UN practices, while performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (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 be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in or have completed a relevant academic program. This includes those pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Ph.D. Candidates should have a strong academic background in fields related to political science, international relations, peace studies, or other relevant disciplines that align 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 aligns with the duties of the position. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that showcase the candidate's understanding of political affairs and international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The official languages of the United Nations Secretariat include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, and proficiency in any of these languages can enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although it may be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote arrangements. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For those not holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, obtaining a G-4 visa is necessary. The UN emphasizes gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their visa and/or work authorization before starting the internship. The application process requires a complete online application, including a Motivational Statement that outlines the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship.