Intern, Political Affairs (Political Monitoring and Analysis on Western Africa)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in areas requiring humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with numerous non-governmental organizations and civil society groups to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in political affairs, specifically focusing on the Western Africa Division (WAD) within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The intern will engage in monitoring and analyzing political and security developments in West Africa and the Sahel region, contributing to the UN's efforts in addressing challenges and threats in these areas. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week, and is expected to last for three to six months, starting as early as August 3, 202

• The intern will report to a Senior Political Affairs Officer and will be involved in various tasks that support the Division's objectives, including research, report preparation, and participation in meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including: monitoring and analyzing key political and security developments in West Africa and the Sahel; providing a daily news feed based on situation reports, press clippings, and media reports; summarizing key public and academic articles related to West Africa and the Sahel, with a focus on climate security; preparing weekly reports on developments in the region; tracking the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS); assisting in the preparation of briefing materials for senior UN officials; participating in meetings and drafting minutes or summaries; carrying out individual research assignments; and performing any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must also be able to provide proof of their academic status.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to political affairs, international relations, or a related discipline. This includes students in their final year of a bachelor's program, as well as those in master's or doctoral programs. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree is required during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates should have experience drafting analytical papers, meeting minutes, and reports. This experience can be gained through academic projects, volunteer work, or previous internships, and is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of the position effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its staff. Candidates who have previously served six months as an intern in the UN Common System are not eligible for this position. Additionally, applicants who are related to active UN staff members are also ineligible. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the internship.