Internet Research Intern

Internet Research Intern

United Nations Secretariat

March 13, 2025March 27, 2025GeneveSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201
  • The IIIM operates with a mission to ensure accountability for these crimes and to support the efforts of the United Nations and other stakeholders in the pursuit of justice. The organization is dedicated to upholding human rights and the rule of law, and it works collaboratively with various international bodies to achieve its objectives. The IIIM is a relatively new entity, having been established in 2017, and it employs a diverse team of professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to its work. The organization operates primarily in Switzerland but engages with partners and stakeholders globally to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Internet Research Intern position is designed to provide support to the Information Systems Management Section (ISMS) of the IIIM. The intern will work closely with an Information Management Officer and an Associate Legal Officer, gaining hands-on experience in internet research and information governance. The primary objectives of this internship include assisting with tasks related to internet research, synthesizing relevant literature, and supporting information governance initiatives. The intern will be expected to conduct targeted open-source research and analysis, focusing on political, economic, social, technological, and legal issues pertinent to the ongoing situation in Syria. This role is crucial for the IIIM's efforts to compile and present information that aids in the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes. The internship is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, and is expected to last for six months, starting on May 1, 202
  • The intern will be expected to work independently while also collaborating with team members, demonstrating professionalism and respect for colleagues and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Internet Research Intern include conducting targeted open-source research and analysis, summarizing political, economic, social, technological, and legal issues related to the Syrian situation, and developing frameworks and processes related to information governance. The intern will compile research and analysis into a final presentation for the IIIM, ensuring that all assigned tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner. The intern must meet deadlines, respond promptly to instructions, and maintain confidentiality regarding all records and information accessed during the internship. Additionally, the intern will be expected to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating professionalism and respect for colleagues and stakeholders. It is important to note that assignments will not involve any work directly with evidentiary material in the IIIM’s Central Repository of Information and Evidence.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship, such as digital diplomacy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or information governance, is considered an advantage. Candidates must also be able to provide proof of their academic status or completion of their degree.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent), a master’s, or a Ph.D. programme, or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. programme. Candidates must indicate which of these criteria they meet and provide proof with their application. An official certificate will be required at a later stage to confirm the applicant's academic status.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a background in a field of study that is closely related to the internship. This could include areas such as digital diplomacy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or information governance. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, given the context of the internship and the focus on the Syrian situation.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, with working hours from 09:00 to 18:0
  • Interns are responsible for all expenses related to the internship, including travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that they must keep confidential any unpublished information obtained during the internship. Interns are also required to secure adequate insurance coverage and sign a statement confirming their understanding of the conditions of service. For in-person internships, candidates of certain nationalities may need to obtain a visa before starting their internship in Geneva. The IIIM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and recruits interns regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities.
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