Intern - Drug Control and Crime Prevention

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support the implementation of international drug control treaties. With a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees, UNODC works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Conference Support Section (CSS) of the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) at the UNODC in Vienna, Austria. This internship is designed for a duration of six months, ideally commencing in May 2025, depending on the needs of the section and the availability of candidates. The role is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns will work under the supervision of a staff member and will gain valuable experience in legal research, the functioning of intergovernmental bodies, and the implementation of international treaties. The intern will be involved in supporting the UNTOC Review Mechanism, which aims to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols. Responsibilities will include conducting research, preparing materials, and assisting in various tasks related to the review mechanism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: 1) Assisting in conducting legal research into the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, selecting relevant materials, analyzing information, and presenting findings for internal review; 2) Reviewing relevant legal documents and identifying important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies; 3) Drafting correspondence to States parties as required; 4) Supporting the team in servicing intergovernmental processes related to transnational organized crime, particularly concerning the Review Mechanism; 5) Undertaking additional tasks and activities as requested by supervisors. Daily responsibilities will be tailored to the intern's background and skills, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must have a field of study in law or a related area, preferably with a specialization in criminal law or international law. Candidates must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is essential. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams, and should possess skills in designing surveys and analyzing data.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on law, particularly in areas relevant to international crime and drug control.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in legal research and analysis related to international law and treaties.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.