Political Intern

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 human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The organization employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide and has a presence in numerous countries, working to address global challenges and foster international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Political Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of international relations and political affairs within the framework of the United Nations. The internship is located in the Europe and Central Asia Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at UN Headquarters in New York. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the work of the Western Europe team, which covers 22 countries and three regional organizations. The internship is structured to provide interns with exposure to the workings of the UN, including participation in meetings, research, and analysis of political developments in the region. Interns will be expected to contribute to the daily operations of the team and assist in various projects, thereby enhancing their understanding of the UN's role in peace and security issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: monitoring media reports and political developments in the Europe and Central Asia region; conducting background research and analysis on relevant issues and trends; following and reporting on meetings of the UN Security Council and General Assembly; attending various meetings and events, and preparing summary notes; providing logistical support in organizing meetings and events; preparing briefing materials for senior officials; and performing other duties as assigned by the team. This role requires a proactive approach and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (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). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their qualifications through relevant academic achievements and provide proof of enrollment or completion of their degree.

Educational Background:
Candidates should be pursuing or have completed a degree in a field relevant to international relations, political science, peace studies, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns can effectively engage with the tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship. Proof of enrollment or completion of the degree program must be submitted as part of the application process.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, candidates are expected to have relevant academic experience or internships that demonstrate their interest and capability in political affairs and international relations. The internship is particularly suited for students in their final year of undergraduate studies or those pursuing graduate degrees, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

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

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 35 hours per week, although there is flexibility to adjust to part-time (20 hours per week) or remote arrangements based on the needs of the successful candidate. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens, obtaining a G-4 visa is necessary to undertake the internship in the United States. The UN encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity within its workforce. The application process requires a complete online submission, including a motivational statement and personal history profile.