Internship with the Afghanistan Team

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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 human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of international relations, particularly focusing on the Afghanistan Team within the Asia and the Pacific Division of the United Nations. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UN's efforts in conflict prevention and resolution, specifically related to Afghanistan. The role requires a commitment of 35 hours per week, with a mix of in-person and telecommuting work. The intern will gain insights into the workings of the UN and contribute to significant projects that address human rights and security issues in Afghanistan. This internship is unpaid and is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The intern will report directly to the Team Leader and will be involved in monitoring political developments, drafting documents, and assisting in the organization of meetings and strategic communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include monitoring and analyzing developments related to the UN's mandate in Afghanistan, particularly focusing on human rights and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) issues. Specific duties will encompass drafting briefing notes, meeting notes, and talking points, as well as taking notes during meetings and conferences. The intern will assist in organizing meetings for Special Envoys on Afghanistan and contribute to the development of strategic communications and presentations. Additionally, the intern will support data collection and information management efforts, ensuring that the Afghanistan Team has access to relevant and timely information to inform their work.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific educational criteria. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or be in their final academic year of a bachelor's degree program. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to international relations, conflict prevention, or human rights is essential. A demonstrated interest in Afghanistan and knowledge of the region will be considered advantageous. Applicants must also possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, and should be able to draft news articles or social media posts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a high school diploma at a minimum, with a preference for candidates who are pursuing or have completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. Coursework in international relations, conflict prevention, and human rights is particularly desirable. Candidates must provide proof of their educational status and may need to submit an official certificate later in the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, particularly within the context of international organizations and diplomacy.

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

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to promote gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce. Candidates who have previously served as interns in the UN Common System for a total of six months are not eligible for this internship. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement detailing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the position. The start and end dates of the internship are flexible, and candidates should indicate their preferred timeline in their application.