Internship in International Trade Law Division

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located in the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. The United Nations, established in 1945, is an international organization founded to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The ITLD serves as the substantive secretariat for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to harmonize and unify international trade law. UNCITRAL is recognized as the core legal body of the UN system in this field, focusing on commercial law and facilitating international trade through legal frameworks. The organization operates globally, with a mission to enhance the legal infrastructure for international trade, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals.

Job Overview:
The internship aims to assist the officers of the International Trade Law Division in fulfilling the mandate of UNCITRAL while providing practical training to the intern. Interns will gain valuable experience in international trade law, working full-time (40 hours per week) under the supervision of professional staff in either the Legislative Branch or the Non-legislative Section. The internship is unpaid and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the legal aspects of international trade, contributing to the development of legal texts and the provision of technical assistance in the field. Interns will be involved in various tasks that enhance their understanding of international trade law and the workings of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have specific assignments in both the Legislative Branch and the Non-legislative Section. In the Legislative Branch, responsibilities include assisting with research and preparation of comparative legal studies, drafting legal texts such as conventions and model laws, and undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative assignments as requested. In the Non-legislative Section, interns will contribute to identifying legislative reform needs, assist in collecting and analyzing case law on UNCITRAL texts, help maintain the UNCITRAL website, and support the coordination functions of the Division and the UNCITRAL Law Library. These duties provide a comprehensive exposure to the workings of international trade law and the role of UNCITRAL.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is necessary, and applicants must provide proof of their qualifications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on international trade law. This requirement ensures that interns have the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the work of the International Trade Law Division.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a field related to international trade law. This could include studies in law, international relations, economics, or similar disciplines that provide relevant knowledge and skills for the tasks they will undertake during the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in one of these languages. Knowledge of both working languages or an additional official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria 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, ensuring that the application process is accessible and free from financial barriers.