Political Affairs Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Secretariat is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights. It operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members from diverse backgrounds. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of political affairs within the United Nations. The internship is flexible, allowing for remote work, hybrid arrangements, or in-person attendance at the UN premises in New York. The expected duration of the internship is six months, with a desired start date of February 1, 2027, or sooner. Interns will engage in various tasks that support the UN's political affairs initiatives, including research, document drafting, and meeting organization. This role is particularly suited for students or recent graduates who are passionate about international relations and wish to contribute to the UN's mission while developing their professional skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting country- and regional-level backstopping activities; gathering, researching, analyzing, and presenting information from various sources; assisting in the drafting of official documents such as minutes and briefing notes; aiding in the planning and preparatory efforts for field support; managing data and information, including monitoring; organizing meetings; and performing other duties as required. The intern will work closely with team members to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success of the political affairs team.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Additionally, applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to draft news articles and social media posts, as well as design surveys and polls, is also required. While professional work experience is not mandatory, a field of study closely related to the internship is essential. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be attached to the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. It is crucial for applicants to indicate their current academic status and provide official documentation to support their claims during the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This internship is particularly aimed at students or recent graduates who are eager to learn and contribute to the UN's work in political affairs.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that they will be responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship can be either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week). The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities. The organization also has specific policies regarding previous interns and family members of current staff, which may affect eligibility.