CMCS 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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of staff and engaging with numerous stakeholders to achieve its goals. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and fostering sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The CMCS Intern position is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in civil-military coordination within the humanitarian context. The internship is expected to last for three months, preferably from June to September, and can be conducted in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format depending on the successful candidate's preferences. The intern will work under the supervision of the CMCS training lead, contributing to the enhancement of the UN-CMCoord training programme and supporting various research and management tasks related to civil-military coordination. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in humanitarian work and civil-military relations, providing exposure to the inner workings of the UN and its training initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: (a) Assisting in the fine-tuning of the UN-CMCoord training programme, focusing on cultural diversity in communication and the protection of living heritage. (b) Conducting research on global and regional civil-military coordination environments, particularly regarding access constraints and non-state armed groups. (c) Exploring mutually supportive civil-military coordination practices in security, access, and humanitarian protection. (d) Managing day-to-day operations of CMCS-led training programmes, which includes maintaining a comprehensive database of course graduates, optimizing training delivery processes, preparing training materials in collaboration with the training assistant, and drafting correspondence. (e) Maintaining the training component of dialoguing.org and other virtual platforms for information sharing, establishing contact lists, and reviewing the humanitarian civil-military coordination webpage. (f) Performing any other duties as assigned by the training lead and direct supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study closely related to the internship type. Additionally, good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate programme relevant to the internship. This includes those pursuing a second university degree or those in their final year of a first university degree programme. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required later in the process.

Experience:
The UN Internship Programme does not require applicants to have prior professional work experience. However, it is essential that candidates have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on civil-military coordination and humanitarian efforts. This internship is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain experience in a professional setting while contributing to the UN's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also a working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The UN emphasizes that there are no fees associated with any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.