UN Political Intern

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. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees across the globe. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has regional offices and peacekeeping missions in multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The UN Political Intern position is a six-month internship located in the Europe and Central Asia Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of international relations and political affairs, particularly focusing on the Western Europe and Eastern Mediterranean region. Interns will engage in various tasks that contribute to the daily operations of the division, including research, analysis, and logistical support for meetings and events. The role is primarily in-person but can be adjusted to accommodate part-time arrangements based on the intern's needs. This internship is unpaid, and candidates are expected to work full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week) as agreed upon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: monitoring media reports and political developments in the Western Europe and Eastern Mediterranean region; conducting background research and analysis on relevant issues and trends; following and reporting on meetings of the UN Security Council and General Assembly; attending meetings and events, and preparing summary notes; providing logistical support for organizing meetings and events; preparing briefing materials for senior officials; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. The intern will work closely with the Western Europe and Eastern Mediterranean team, which covers 22 countries and three regional organizations, and will assist in backstopping the DPPA Liaison Office in Brussels and peacekeeping missions in Cyprus.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Proof of eligibility must be attached to the application, and an official certificate will be required later in the process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in international relations, political science, or a related field. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, and preference may be given to those pursuing or having completed a master’s or Ph.D. program. The internship is designed for students who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, volunteer work, or other academic pursuits related to international relations or political affairs.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, knowledge of other UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free of financial burdens.