Intern for Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with its headquarters located in New York City. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various departments and agencies, working towards global goals such as sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The UN is known for its commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration to address pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of political affairs within the United Nations framework. The intern will work in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support (PBPSO), which is part of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. The PBPSO aims to enhance the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts by integrating various capacities and resources. The intern will be expected to engage in monitoring political developments, conducting research, and supporting the drafting of important documents for senior UN officials. This role is crucial for understanding the dynamics of peacebuilding and the operational challenges faced by the UN in various contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including monitoring activities in relevant countries and regions to identify trends and assess emerging political and operational issues that may impact PBPSO 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 the Office's policy and operational priorities. Additionally, the intern will support the drafting of notes, background papers, checklists, talking points, presentations, and speeches for senior UN officials. They will also assist in planning and implementing meetings, events, policy dialogues, and other activities related to peacebuilding and security institutions. The intern will coordinate and consolidate information from various offices for reports and submissions, and perform 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 should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls, is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. This educational background is crucial as it ensures that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills relevant to the political affairs and peacebuilding context.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should ideally have academic or practical exposure to political science, international relations, peace studies, or a related field. This experience can be gained through coursework, volunteer work, or previous internships that provide insight into the workings of international organizations or peacebuilding initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although it can be adjusted to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote based on the successful candidate's needs. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for non-citizens or permanent residents to discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all candidates.