Internship in the Office of Legal Affairs

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Internship in the Office of Legal Affairs
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is a key component of the United Nations, responsible for providing legal advice and services to the organization. Established to support the UN's mission, OLA operates with a diverse team of legal professionals and interns who contribute to various legal matters. The office is committed to promoting law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and ensuring that the UN's operations are conducted in accordance with legal standards. OLA has six divisions and offices located in New York, each focusing on different aspects of international law and legal affairs. The organization aims to enhance the educational experience of interns by providing them with practical exposure to legal work within a multicultural intergovernmental setting. OLA is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly women, to achieve gender balance within the organization.

Job Overview:
The internship in the Office of Legal Affairs is designed for highly motivated graduate or undergraduate students, as well as recent graduates, who are eager to gain professional experience in the legal field within an international organization. The internship provides an opportunity to work under the supervision of legal officers on various projects and tasks that align with the interns' educational backgrounds and interests. Interns will engage in practical educational experiences that allow them to apply and further develop their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. The internship is expected to last between two to six months, with a desired start date ranging from May to September 202

• Interns will be involved in a variety of legal research and documentation tasks, contributing to the overall mission of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a wide range of responsibilities that encompass many aspects of the Office of Legal Affairs' work. These responsibilities include: assisting in conducting legal research on international law, ocean affairs, and the law of the sea; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting and preparing official and legal documents; attending and taking notes at conferences and meetings; servicing conferences and meetings; working on websites and presentations; and performing other duties as assigned by legal officers. Interns are expected to familiarize themselves with the functions of the six divisions and offices within OLA, which include the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Codification Division, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, the General Legal Division, and the Treaty Section.

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 benefits the United Nations during the internship is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a degree program in Law. This can include either a graduate degree or a bachelor's degree in law or a related field. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation in legal principles and practices, as well as an understanding of international law and its applications.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is necessary to apply for this internship. However, candidates are encouraged to have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include experience in legal research, writing, or any other related activities that would enhance their contributions to the Office of Legal Affairs.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance an intern's ability to contribute effectively to the diverse environment of the UN.

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. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.