Internship at UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific

Job Posting Organization:
The UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNCITRAL RCAP) is a unit within the International Trade Law Division (ITLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. Established to enhance international trade and development in the Asia-Pacific region, UNCITRAL RCAP promotes certainty in international commercial transactions through the dissemination of international trade norms and standards. The organization engages in technical assistance, coordination activities with international organizations, and serves as a communication channel between states in the region and UNCITRAL. For more information, visit https://uncitral.un.org.

Job Overview:
The internship at UNCITRAL RCAP is designed to provide interns with practical experience in the field of international trade law. Interns will work under the direct supervision of professional staff and may undertake the internship either in person at the UNCITRAL RCAP in Incheon or remotely, depending on circumstances such as visa issuance and international travel constraints. The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns will be involved in various activities that support the goals of UNCITRAL, including assisting in the organization of workshops and seminars, conducting research, and contributing to the dissemination of information regarding international trade norms and standards. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates who are passionate about international law and the work of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation and organization of workshops and seminars related to international trade law; conducting research on topics relevant to UNCITRAL's work; preparing documents and reports; assisting in the dissemination of information about UNCITRAL's activities and publications; and supporting the professional staff in their daily tasks. Interns are expected to manage their time effectively to ensure the timely completion of assigned tasks, which may often be time-sensitive. They will also be required to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting a collaborative and respectful work environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with familiarity in Microsoft Teams and other virtual conferencing software being advantageous. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are essential, as well as the ability to interact successfully with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have recently completed such programs. A field of study closely related to international trade law or the work of the United Nations is preferred. It is also desirable for applicants to have knowledge of standard office computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets, as well as general research skills.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, it is essential that applicants have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. Interns should be able to manage their time and priorities effectively to ensure the timely completion of tasks, which may often be time-sensitive. Experience in a multicultural environment or previous internships in related fields would be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, as well as regional languages like Japanese or Korean, would be an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for the successful completion of tasks and interaction with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours). Interns are encouraged to take a leave of absence from any current employment during the internship period. While part-time internships may be possible, priority will be given to candidates who can commit to a full-time schedule. Selected candidates must report any current or future employment that coincides with the internship. A completed online application, including a Motivation Statement and proof of enrollment or graduation, is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Motivation Statement must detail the applicant's degree program, graduation date, IT skills, areas of interest, and reasons for being the best candidate for the internship. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.