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 gather evidence and provide legal support. 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. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, focusing on international law and human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Intern position is located 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 legal research and support activities. The primary expectation from the intern is to assist in the legal processes related to the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes in Syria. This includes conducting thorough legal research on domestic and international criminal law, human rights, and public international law. The intern will also assist in drafting and reviewing legal documents, monitoring judicial proceedings, and mapping relevant legislative frameworks. The role is designed to provide practical experience in a legal environment while contributing to the IIIM's mission of promoting accountability for serious crimes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Intern include: conducting legal research on a wide range of issues related to domestic and international criminal law, human rights, and public international law; assisting Legal Officers in drafting or reviewing legal documents and instruments; monitoring judicial proceedings and legislative developments relevant to the IIIM's work, particularly focusing on criminal judicial proceedings regarding violations of international criminal law; mapping legislative frameworks pertinent to the SSS's work; and facilitating contributions to the work of other sections within the IIIM. The intern is expected to engage in full-time work, contributing 40 hours per week, and will be required to maintain confidentiality regarding any unpublished information obtained during the internship.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: 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). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued their degree in fields related to law, international relations, human rights, political affairs, or a related area. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Knowledge of criminal accountability in the Syrian context is desirable, and applicants should possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Teams.

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. program. Candidates must provide proof of their academic qualifications, including transcripts and any relevant certifications. The internship is particularly suited for those studying law or related fields, as the work will involve significant legal research and analysis.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in law or related fields. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in international law and human rights. Familiarity with the legal frameworks surrounding international criminal law and human rights is beneficial, and any previous internships or volunteer work in related areas will be considered an asset.

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 ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. The expected duration of the internship is six months, and candidates should be prepared for in-person work, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work arrangements to be discussed upon selection. Interns are responsible for all related expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding any unpublished information obtained during their internship and are required to sign a statement confirming their understanding of these conditions. Additionally, candidates of certain nationalities may need to obtain a visa to stay in Switzerland for the duration of the internship.