Intern, Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including humanitarian assistance, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Leadership Support Section (LSS) of the UN is designed to provide students with practical experience in political affairs, particularly in the areas of leadership recruitment and support. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the UN's mission of promoting peace and stability globally. This role is particularly focused on supporting the recruitment processes for senior leadership positions in UN Field Missions, which includes Special Representatives and Special Envoys. The intern will work under the supervision of a Programme Officer, gaining insights into the workings of the UN and the importance of leadership in international peacekeeping and political missions. The internship is unpaid and requires a commitment of 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements available, including remote work options.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks, including conducting online research to update and maintain a database of potential candidates for senior leadership roles. This involves creating new profiles and performing due diligence checks to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of the information. The intern will assist in preparing mission and country profiles, which are essential for high-level recruitment processes. Additionally, the intern will support outreach initiatives by preparing meeting documents and promotional materials, which may require basic graphic design skills. Monitoring global leadership news and providing weekly reports will also be part of the role, along with collecting data on leadership trends and preparing internal reports using various software applications. The intern may attend webinars and produce summaries, as well as provide support for other ongoing projects within the section.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 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 degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations, particularly in peace and security, is essential. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, showcasing tolerance and understanding of differing opinions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program. The educational background should be relevant to the internship, with a focus on political science, international relations, or a related field. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required degree must be submitted with the application.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or involvement in activities related to political affairs, international relations, or peace and security. This could include volunteer work, academic projects, or participation in relevant organizations or events.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and another UN language will enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last between three to six months, with a desired start date of May 1, 2025, or sooner. The position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may need to obtain a G-4 visa to participate in the internship. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of visa and/or work authorization before starting the internship. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.