Political Affairs Intern

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Position Title: Political intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern
Location: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, which operates under the mandate of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raising awareness, and promoting international cooperation to improve their protection. The office derives its mandate from various General Assembly and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council resolutions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the plight of children in conflict zones. The organization aims to foster a collaborative environment to enhance the safety and well-being of children globally, and it operates in various countries where armed conflict is prevalent.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the office's mission to protect children affected by armed conflict. The intern will be involved in conducting research and monitoring political and humanitarian developments related to the mandate. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about international relations and child protection issues. The intern will work under the supervision of a staff member, gaining valuable experience in the workings of the United Nations and contributing to meaningful projects that aim to improve the lives of vulnerable children. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, starting in April 2025, for a duration of six months.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the office's objectives. These include conducting research and reference searches on issues related to children and armed conflict, monitoring discussions and initiatives at the EU and Human Rights Council, and reporting on relevant developments. The intern will also attend conferences and meetings, taking detailed notes and assisting in the preparation of reports, concept papers, policy documents, and other materials. Additionally, the intern may be assigned other duties as needed, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the office's work.

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 degree or equivalent). Candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. A personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter is essential, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to international relations, political science, human rights, or a similar discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that demonstrates their understanding of the issues related to children and armed conflict. Interns should be prepared to engage in research and analysis, showcasing their ability to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the internship.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must be available to work full-time for the duration of the internship, which is six months. Flexible working arrangements may be discussed with the supervisor. Interns do not have the right to transfer to another entity within the UN during their internship. Candidates must submit a completed online application, including a Cover Note and Candidate Profile, detailing their qualifications and interest in the position. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.