Internship in International Law or International Environmental Law

Internship in International Law or International Environmental Law

UN Commissions

February 21, 2025February 27, 2025GeneveSwitzerland
UN Commissions About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more. The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Internship in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law or International Environmental Law
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is a regional commission of the United Nations established in 194
  • It aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member States, which currently number 5
  • UNECE's mission includes facilitating sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the region through various initiatives, including environmental protection and sustainable economic growth. The organization operates in multiple countries across Europe and North America, focusing on various sectors such as trade, transport, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The internship is located at the secretariat to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution within the Environment Division of UNECE, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The intern will be involved in supporting the Convention's objectives, which include limiting and preventing air pollution to protect human health and the environment. The intern will engage in legal research, assist in drafting documents, and contribute to the preparation of intergovernmental meetings. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international environmental law and policy, while also contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of a staff member of the secretariat, the intern will be responsible for conducting document and legal research to enhance the overview of legal decisions and support the work of a newly established ad hoc group on open data. The intern will summarize research results, assist in drafting documents, reports, and presentations, particularly related to the ad hoc group. Additionally, the intern will prepare content for the Convention’s website, support the organization of intergovernmental meetings, prepare press releases and articles, proofread publications, and perform other duties as required for the implementation of the Convention's workplan, including capacity-building and outreach activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level). For this internship, studies in international law or international environmental law are required. Experience in legal research is desirable, and knowledge about open data licensing is an asset. Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a degree in international law, international environmental law, or a related field. This includes either being enrolled in a graduate program or having completed one, or being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles and environmental policies relevant to the work of the UNECE.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for participation in the Internship Programme. However, any experience related to legal research or environmental law will be considered an asset. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of international law and environmental policy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the other working language. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of 6 months, expected to take place between 1 April and 30 September 202
  • Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns work five days per week and are not eligible to apply for any post in the Secretariat for a period of six months following the end of their internship. Candidates must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage and a medical certificate of good health. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
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