Legal Affairs Intern

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Position Title: Legal intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Affairs Intern
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a division of the United Nations that provides legal advice and services to the organization. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the UN operates within the framework of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The OLA is involved in various legal matters, including international treaties, legal research, and the codification of international law. The office is committed to promoting the rule of law and ensuring that legal frameworks are upheld within the UN's operations. The OLA is comprised of six divisions and offices, each focusing on different aspects of legal affairs, and is located in New York City, where it serves as a hub for international legal collaboration and governance.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the Office of Legal Affairs is designed for highly motivated graduate or undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates, who are eager to gain practical experience in the legal field within an international organization. The internship provides an opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Interns will be supervised by legal officers and will engage in various projects and tasks that align with their educational background and interests. The internship duration ranges from a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months, with a desired start date between May and September 202

• Interns will have the chance to enhance their educational experience while contributing to the important work of the UN's legal affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities that may include: assisting in conducting legal research on international law issues, ocean affairs, and the law of the sea; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting and preparing official and legal documents; attending conferences and meetings, taking notes, and assisting in servicing these events; working on websites and presentations; and performing other duties as assigned by legal officers. The responsibilities are designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes and functions within the UN, allowing them to gain valuable insights and skills that will benefit their future careers in law.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a degree program in Law. At the time of application, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: either 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). While prior professional work experience is not required, any relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that can benefit the UN during the internship is encouraged. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in international law and the workings of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a degree program in Law. This can include both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on legal studies that provide a foundation for understanding international law and the legal frameworks that govern the operations of the United Nations. Candidates should have a solid grasp of legal principles and be able to apply their knowledge in practical settings, particularly in relation to the UN's mandate and functions.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. This may include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to legal research, international law, or other relevant fields. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are looking to gain hands-on experience in a legal environment and who are eager to learn from experienced legal professionals within the UN.

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. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also a working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse legal materials and international colleagues.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be full-time and in-person, requiring interns to work five days a week under the supervision of managers. However, a hybrid or remote setting may be considered based on requests from successful candidates. It is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. Furthermore, interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional positions within the UN for six months following the end of their internship. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance within its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply for this internship program.