UN Intern - Political Affairs

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 political support. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including political affairs, humanitarian aid, and development, working collaboratively to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the OSESG-GL Political Affairs Unit (PAU) is designed to provide practical experience in political affairs and support the unit's objectives. Interns will work under the supervision of a Political Affairs Officer, engaging in tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the UN. The role is ideal for individuals seeking to gain insight into the workings of international diplomacy and political processes. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct research, prepare documents, and assist in organizing events, thereby enhancing their understanding of political dynamics and the UN's role in global governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing documents for review, such as correspondence, talking points, and background notes; conducting research on topics relevant to the Political Affairs Unit using public sources; attending meetings, conferences, and seminars, and preparing summary notes of these events; providing logistical support in organizing conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops; and performing other duties as required by the Political Affairs Officer. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

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); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). The field of study should be closely related to the Office’s areas of work, such as political science, international relations, or a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in political affairs and the workings of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a graduate degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. The educational background should be relevant to the responsibilities of the internship, ideally in fields such as political science, international relations, law, or other related areas that align with the UN's mission and activities.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and a keen interest in political affairs. Experience in research, writing, or event organization, whether through academic projects or volunteer work, will be considered an asset. Interns should be prepared to engage actively in their tasks and contribute to the team's objectives.

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. Additionally, a working-level knowledge of French is required, as it is also a key language used within the organization. Proficiency in other languages may be beneficial but is not a requirement for this position.

Additional Notes:
This internship is expected to last between 3 to 6 months and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. It is important for candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Kenya to ensure they have the necessary visa and work authorization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.