Intern - Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a vital entity within the United Nations system, established to combat drugs and crime globally. It serves as the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, including those addressing Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. UNODC's mission is to promote global adherence to these protocols and assist member states in implementing effective measures against these crimes. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing technical cooperation and support to strengthen national responses to organized crime, drug trafficking, and related issues. UNODC is committed to upholding the rights of migrants and victims while fostering international cooperation. The organization is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) of the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) at UNODC. Interns will play a crucial role in supporting the section's various teams, which focus on delivering technical cooperation, normative and policy work, knowledge development, and partnerships. The interns will be involved in advancing the international agenda on countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, contributing to legislative assistance for UN member states, and developing knowledge resources on these issues. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international environment, working closely with professionals dedicated to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will provide substantive, organizational, and logistic support to the daily operations of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section. Their responsibilities will include conducting background research and analysis on country situations, trends, and legal frameworks related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling. They will assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of regional and national technical assistance projects, support the preparation of training materials for capacity-building workshops, and help collect and analyze case law. Interns will also contribute to the organization of intergovernmental meetings and thematic expert group discussions, draft official submissions and guidance notes, and assist in liaising with various UN offices and external organizations. Additionally, they will compile press clippings and carry out other tasks related to the UNODC Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants as requested.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled in or having completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or being in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). Candidates should have a background in criminology, law, political or social sciences, psychology, international relations, or a related field. Strong analytical skills, good drafting abilities, and proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are essential. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are also required. Furthermore, candidates should possess the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be enrolled in a relevant academic program. This includes either a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level). Official written proof from the university supporting one of these conditions must be attached to the application. Fields of study should include criminology, law, political or social sciences, psychology, international relations, or related disciplines.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and possess relevant skills that align with the responsibilities of the internship. Experience in research, analysis, or related fields will be beneficial, particularly in areas concerning human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week over a duration of six months. Interns may work in person at the UNODC office in Vienna or remotely, depending on circumstances. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. A completed online application, including a motivation statement, candidate profile, and proof of enrollment or graduation, is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware of their visa requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria.