Intern - Data Protection and Privacy

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to create and maintain international order. The UN operates in various fields including peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working in diverse roles across numerous countries to address global challenges and foster collaboration among nations.

Job Overview:
This internship at the UN Office of Data Protection and Privacy (ODPP) is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of data protection and privacy within an international organization. The internship is part-time and expected to last between 3 to 6 months. Interns will work under the supervision of the Data Protection and Privacy Officer and will be involved in various projects and tasks that will enhance their knowledge and skills in this critical area. The role is particularly suited for those who are motivated to learn about the functions and mandates of the ODPP, as outlined in the relevant UN documents. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in research, document review, drafting, and assisting in meetings, thereby gaining valuable insights into the workings of data protection and privacy in a multicultural intergovernmental context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties that may include: conducting research on data protection and privacy laws, reviewing documents and instruments, drafting official documents and templates, attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, servicing conferences, and working on presentations or websites. Additionally, interns may be assigned other tasks as needed, providing a comprehensive exposure to the various aspects of data protection and privacy work within the UN framework.

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 degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. Skills in drafting news articles or social media posts, as well as designing surveys and polls, are considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in data protection and privacy.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

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 the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.