Intern –the Committee, Policy and Legal Affairs Section (CPLA)

Assist with substantive Secretariat services to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and related tasks.

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UNOOSA - United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Monday 13 Oct 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist with substantive Secretariat services to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and related tasks.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in, or have recently completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).
  • Demonstrated proficiency in preparing spreadsheets and databases management (good knowledge of MS Excel).
  • Ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing tolerance and understanding.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.
  • Must provide a completed online application including Cover Note and Personal History Profile.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Vienna

Expected duration

2- 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The internship is located at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna, Austria. The intern will be placed in the Committee, Policy and Legal Affairs Section (CPLA) in Vienna Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Program Manager CPLA. The internship is UNPAID and interns work five days per week (full time - 40 hours). For more information on UNOOSA, please visit: www.unoosa.org .or our LinkedIn, Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook sites. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to: • Assist in the substantive Secretariat services to the 2026 cycle of sessions of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and Legal Subcommittee; • Assist in capacity-building activities on space law and policy • Assist in legal and/or policy related research and analysis;; and • Perform other tasks as necessary.

Qualifications/special skills

“Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have recently completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).” Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Be computer literate in standard software applications; proficiency in preparing spreadsheets and databases management (good knowledge of MS excel) Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter (c)Degree programmes should be in a field of international affairs, policy and law, or other degree relevant to the activities of CPLA

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: · Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?). · Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the Programme?). · An explanation why you are the best candidate for an internship with the Section. · An explanation of your interest in the work of UNOOSA/CPLA. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your interest in the work of UNOOSA and the CPLA? This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the organization's mission. Express your passion for international law and space policy, linking your academic pursuits to UNOOSA's goals.
How have your academic experiences prepared you for this internship? The interviewer wants to know how your education relates to the responsibilities. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds. What did you learn? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What skills do you possess that will help you in assisting with policy and legal research? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with data management and analysis? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you think space law is important in today's world? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of when you showed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What will you bring to the team during this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org