UN Legal Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, uphold human rights, and coordinate international cooperation. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including legal, humanitarian, and developmental sectors, and is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that respects cultural diversity and promotes global understanding.

Job Overview:
The UN Legal Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the workings of the United Nations. Interns will be integrated into the Registries of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) or the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), which are part of the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ). The internship is structured to last between three to six months, with a full-time commitment expected, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., five days a week. Interns will engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the operations of the Registries, allowing them to learn about the UN's legal framework and administrative justice system. The role emphasizes collaboration, legal research, and document preparation, providing a comprehensive overview of the UN's judicial processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that support the legal functions of the UNDT and UNAT. Key duties include: conducting legal research to assist Legal Officers and Judges in reviewing cases; drafting summaries of Judgments for publication on the OAJ case law portal; summarizing facts and parties' contentions for judicial consideration; editing, proof-reading, formatting, and finalizing Judgments, Orders, and other legal documents; assisting in the organizational and logistical preparation of hearings; maintaining databases and files, including in the electronic Court Case Management System and SharePoint; and performing additional tasks as assigned by the Registrar or Principal Registrar. This role is designed to provide interns with a hands-on experience in legal processes and administrative functions within the UN.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria: they should be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in law, international relations, or public administration, or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent) in a related field. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, possess a keen interest in the UN's work, and show a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, highlighting the importance of tolerance and understanding in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program, specifically in areas such as law, international relations, or public administration. This educational foundation is crucial as it equips interns with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to engage effectively in legal research and administrative tasks within the UN framework.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates are expected to have a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in international law and the workings of the United Nations. This internship is particularly suited for graduate students or final-year undergraduate students who are eager to gain practical experience in an international organization and broaden their understanding of administrative justice.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is a mandatory requirement for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application, reflecting the UN's commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered on a full-time basis, with a duration of three to six months, and can be undertaken in person in New York or remotely. Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G4 visa is mandatory, and interns must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization before commencing the internship. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.