Intern - Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental 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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York City, where its headquarters is located. The organization employs thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds, working collaboratively to achieve its goals and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Administrative Law Division (ALD) of the United Nations is designed for highly motivated individuals seeking to gain professional experience in administrative law within an international context. This internship lasts for three months, with the possibility of extension based on the division's needs. Interns will engage in a practical educational experience, working in a multicultural environment that fosters intergovernmental collaboration. Under the supervision of a Legal Officer or a Conduct and Discipline Officer, interns will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the division's objectives, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting in policy reviews. This role is ideal for those interested in the intersection of law and international relations, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the UN's mission while developing valuable skills and knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns in the Administrative Law Division will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation of advice on appeals and disciplinary matters; conducting reviews of the status of follow-up on pending allegations of misconduct; preparing communications to Member States; reviewing conduct and discipline-related policy documents for necessary revisions; conducting legal research and analyzing issues related to the application of Staff Regulations and Rules; assisting counsel in preparing written and oral submissions for proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT); drafting various legal documents and communications; attending conferences and meetings to take notes; supporting information and knowledge management practices; and working on the Conduct and Discipline website and presentations. These duties will provide interns with hands-on experience in legal processes and administrative law within a global organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the internship must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and demonstrate the ability to listen effectively and respond appropriately. Teamwork is essential, as interns will be expected to collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, valuing diverse perspectives and contributing to a positive team environment. Planning and organizing skills are also crucial, as interns will need to develop clear goals, prioritize tasks, and manage their time efficiently. Additionally, candidates should be computer literate in standard software applications and have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds is also important.

Educational Background:
To qualify for the internship, candidates must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree within the past year. For those studying in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, completion of at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards a degree in Law or a related area is required. This educational background ensures that interns have the necessary theoretical foundation to engage with the legal issues they will encounter during their internship.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, advanced coursework, or skills that would benefit the UN during their internship. This openness to candidates without extensive experience allows for a diverse range of applicants, including recent graduates and those currently pursuing their studies, to gain valuable insights and practical experience in an international legal environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, further enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural setting.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and candidates must submit a completed online application, including a cover note and Personal History Profile (PHP). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The cover note should detail the title and receipt date of the most recent degree, the title of any degree currently being pursued, the expected graduation date, a list of IT skills and programs in which the candidate is proficient, an explanation of why they are the best candidate for the Administrative Law Division, and the period of availability along with preferred start and end dates for the internship. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.