Internship in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC), which operates under the United Nations. The UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) was established to address and combat sexual violence in conflict situations. The organization aims to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's response to sexual violence in conflict through a coordinated approach, involving various UN entities and partners. The UN Action network works globally, focusing on various countries affected by conflict and sexual violence, and is committed to promoting the rights and dignity of survivors. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to this mission, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, advocating for policy changes and providing support to affected communities.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of international relations, specifically focusing on issues related to sexual violence in conflict. Interns will work full-time for a period of three months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three months, depending on the needs of the office. The role is unpaid, and interns are expected to commit to a schedule of five days a week, totaling 35 hours. Interns will be supervised by a staff member of the UN Action Secretariat and will engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and the needs of the office. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the UN's efforts in addressing sexual violence in conflict and to gain insight into the workings of a major international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a range of activities that support the mission of the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. Responsibilities include conducting literature reviews and research on key thematic areas relevant to the UN Action Network, drafting written materials, and supporting the monitoring of the UN Action's Strategic Framework. Interns will prepare briefing notes, presentations, and handouts for meetings, assist with note-taking at high-level events, and help create background notes and talking points for various meetings and missions. Additionally, interns will support the implementation of advocacy and communications strategies, manage social media accounts, and update the UN Action website. They will also be responsible for preparing an end-of-internship report summarizing their contributions and experiences.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific educational requirements. They should be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). The field of study should be related to International Relations, Public Policy and Administration, Law, Development Management, Political Science, or Social Science. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate computer literacy in standard software applications, a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While no prior work experience is required, candidates with experience in gender-based violence issues are preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The educational focus should be on areas such as International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Development Management, Political Science, or Social Science. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Experience:
While no specific work experience is required for this internship, candidates are encouraged to have relevant training, education, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. Previous internships or fellowships related to gender-based violence issues are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable and may be beneficial for candidates applying for this position.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a duration of three to six months, starting in September or October 202

• It is important to note that the internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. For non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, obtaining a G4 visa and ensuring valid employment authorization is mandatory. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware of their visa requirements before accepting an internship offer.