Legal Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a division of the United Nations that provides legal advice and services to the UN and its various bodies. Established to ensure that the UN operates within the framework of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, OLA plays a crucial role in the legal aspects of the UN's work. The organization is composed of six divisions and offices, each focusing on different areas of legal affairs. OLA is committed to promoting the rule of law and ensuring that the UN's actions are legally sound. The office employs a diverse team of legal professionals and interns who contribute to its mission across various international jurisdictions.

Job Overview:
The Legal intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced legal professionals and will be assigned to various projects and tasks that will enhance their understanding of international law and legal processes. The internship is a full-time, in-person role based in New York City, although hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered based on the needs of the successful candidates. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with multiple divisions within OLA, including the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, the Office of the Legal Counsel, and others, allowing them to explore different facets of legal work in a multicultural environment. This position is ideal for those who are passionate about international law and wish to contribute to the UN's mission while developing their skills and knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the work of the Office of Legal Affairs. These duties include conducting legal research on international law issues, reviewing legal documents and instruments, drafting official and legal documents, attending conferences and meetings to take notes, and assisting in the organization of these events. Interns may also work on developing content for websites and presentations, as well as performing other duties as assigned by their supervisors. The role is dynamic and offers interns the chance to engage with real-world legal challenges faced by the UN, providing a comprehensive learning experience in the field of legal affairs.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must meet specific educational requirements. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program in Law (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program in Law (minimum bachelor's level). It is essential for applicants to indicate which of these scenarios applies to them in their application. While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant training or coursework that enhances the applicant's ability to contribute to the UN's work will be beneficial. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a background in Law, either through enrollment in a graduate program or completion of a bachelor's degree in Law. This educational foundation is crucial as it equips interns with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage with the legal issues they will encounter during their internship. Applicants should be prepared to provide official documentation of their educational status upon selection, ensuring that they meet the qualifications required for the internship.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain their first experience in the legal field. However, any relevant coursework, training, or skills that align with the responsibilities of the internship will be considered advantageous. The focus is on the applicant's educational background and their motivation to learn and contribute to the work of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an asset. This multilingual environment reflects the diverse nature of the UN and enhances the collaborative experience for interns.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be a full-time, in-person role in New York City, with the possibility of hybrid or remote arrangements based on the successful candidates' requests. The internship duration is a minimum of two months, with the potential for extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the divisions or offices. Candidates should be aware that those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G-4 visa to participate in the internship. Additionally, interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The UN emphasizes a commitment to gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. It is important to note that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.