Intern, Political Affairs

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Position Title: Intern, Political Affairs
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region (OSESG-GL) was established to address the complex and recurring conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The organization aims to implement the Peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework signed by multiple nations, including Kenya and Sudan, to foster stability and development in the area. The office operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to engaging all relevant stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict. The organization is located in Nairobi, Kenya, which is classified as a 'B' hardship duty station and a family duty station. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week for a duration of six months, with a desired start date in April 2025 or sooner.

Job Overview:
The intern will work under the supervision of a Political Affairs Officer within the Political Affairs Unit (PAU) of OSESG-GL. The role is designed to provide practical experience in political affairs and to support the office's mission of promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. Interns are expected to engage in various tasks that contribute to the office's objectives, including preparing documents for review, conducting research, attending meetings, and providing logistical support for events. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and to contribute to meaningful initiatives aimed at conflict resolution and peacebuilding in a critical region of Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Preparing documents for review, including correspondence, talking points, and background notes.
• Conducting research on topics relevant to the Political Affairs Unit, utilizing public sources to gather information.
• Attending meetings, conferences, and seminars, and preparing summary notes to capture key discussions and outcomes.
• Providing logistical support for organizing conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.
• Performing other duties as required by the Political Affairs Officer or other team members, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the unit.

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). The field of study must be closely related to the Office’s areas of work, such as political science, international relations, international security, or human rights. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a client-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The field of study should be relevant to the work of the Office, particularly in areas such as political science, international relations, or human rights. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of political affairs and contributing effectively to the unit's objectives.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The focus is on how the applicant's academic background and skills can benefit the United Nations during their internship, particularly in relation to the work of the Political Affairs Unit.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in these languages to effectively communicate and engage in the office's activities.

Additional Notes:
This 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 Kenya may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week for a duration of six months. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applicants are expected to adhere to the organization's standards of integrity and professionalism.