Legal Intern

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 national, regional, and international courts and tribunals. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law, and it works collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its objectives. The IIIM is a relatively new entity, reflecting the international community's response to the ongoing crisis in Syria and the need for justice and accountability. It employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, focusing on legal and humanitarian issues related to the Syrian conflict.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position is designed to provide support within the Support and Sharing Section (SSS) of the IIIM. The intern will work closely with the P2 Associate Legal Officer and will be involved in various aspects of legal research and documentation related to international criminal law, human rights, and public international law. The internship is structured to be in-person, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work arrangements, depending on discussions with the successful candidate. The intern will be expected to engage in full-time work, contributing to the IIIM's mission of supporting accountability for serious crimes in Syria. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in law or international relations, as it provides hands-on experience in a significant area of international justice.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Legal Intern in the Support and Sharing Section may include, but are not limited to: conducting comprehensive legal research on a variety of issues related to domestic and international criminal law, human rights, and public international law; assisting Legal Officers in drafting or reviewing legal documents, instruments, or other materials; monitoring judicial proceedings and legislative developments that are pertinent to the IIIM's work, particularly focusing on criminal judicial proceedings concerning violations of international criminal law; mapping relevant legislative frameworks that impact the work of the SSS; and providing support to SSS colleagues in facilitating contributions to the work of other sections within the IIIM. The intern will also be expected to maintain confidentiality regarding any unpublished information obtained during the internship and adhere to the same duties and obligations as staff members.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (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). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued their degree in fields related to this job opening, such as law, international relations, human rights, political affairs, or a related area. While professional work experience is not required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their academic status and qualifications during the application process.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or being enrolled in or having completed a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Candidates must have a strong academic foundation in areas relevant to the internship, such as law, international relations, or human rights. It is essential for applicants to provide documentation of their academic achievements, including transcripts and proof of enrollment or completion of their degree programs.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a field relevant to the internship. Knowledge of criminal accountability, particularly in the context of the Syrian situation, is desirable. The internship is aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in international law and human rights, and who are eager to contribute to the IIIM's mission.

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 necessary, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is desirable, given the context of the IIIM's work. Proficiency in another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the internship.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for all expenses related to the internship, including travel, accommodation, and living costs. Candidates must ensure they have adequate insurance coverage and are required to sign a statement confirming their understanding of the conditions of service. For in-person internships, candidates from certain nationalities may need to obtain a visa to stay in Switzerland before starting their internship. The IIIM will provide necessary information and supporting documents for this process. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it recruits interns without regard to gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.