Intern at the Legal Affairs Directorate

Job Posting Organization:
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to facilitate international postal cooperation. It was founded in 1874 and currently comprises 192 member countries. The UPU is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, and its primary mission is to promote a quality and accessible postal service worldwide, fostering social, cultural, and commercial communication among the global population.

Job Overview:
The UPU is seeking an intern to work under the supervision of the Director of the Legal Affairs Department (DAJ). The intern will be involved in various legal research and analysis tasks, focusing on public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and administrative law, particularly as it pertains to the United Nations common system. The intern will assist in drafting legal documents and analyzing legal instruments relevant to the UPU's operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international law and the workings of a major international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for conducting research and analysis on legal issues related to the UPU's structure and functions. This includes preparing draft documents on various legal matters, assisting in the analysis of treaties, agreements, and regulations, and supporting the Director and DAJ team in providing legal services. The intern will also prepare background papers, reports, and synthesize views on specific legal issues, as well as draft legal instruments such as treaties and internal regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be law students currently enrolled in a university or institution, or recent law graduates who have graduated no more than six months prior to the internship start date. A strong understanding of public international law, international organizations law, and arbitration law is essential. The minimum age for applicants is 20 years.

Educational Background:
A background in law is required, with candidates either currently pursuing a law degree or having recently graduated from a law program. The educational institution must be recognized and the course of study should be relevant to the legal aspects of international relations and organizations.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of legal principles and a keen interest in international law. Experience in legal research or internships in related fields will be advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of French or English is mandatory, along with a good command of the other language. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for six months and is unpaid, with costs for travel, accommodation, and living expenses being the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. Interns must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The UPU emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and applicants should be wary of any requests for personal financial information.