Legal Intern

Assist in analysing counter-terrorism laws and human rights matters.

UN CTED - Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate

Open positions at UN CTED
Logo of UN CTED

Application deadline in 8 days: Tuesday 7 Jul 2026 at 03:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Assist in analysing counter-terrorism laws and human rights matters.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final year of a Bachelor's degree.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • If selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period from graduation.

Contract

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

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

3 to 6 months July 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the internship position encompass all aspects of the Directorates work. These responsibilities may include but are not limited to: • Assist in analysing and interpreting counter-terrorism instruments and laws from a human rights perspective. • Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights and counter-terrorism matters. • Assists in the preparation of analytical human rights background and briefing papers. • Assists in drafting reports, summary notes and correspondence relating to human rights matters, as appropriate. • Maintains awareness of relevant human rights issues, including at country level. • Assist in preparing documents needed for the organization of workshops, seminars and briefings. • Liaises with external partners, as appropriate. • Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of their submission, be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree), preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR have graduated with a university degree as defined above AND, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period from the date of graduation.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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 experience with research on human rights issues? This question assesses your familiarity with research methodologies in the field of human rights. Discuss specific projects or experiences where you conducted research and the impact of your findings.
How do you approach the analysis of counter-terrorism instruments? This question seeks to understand your analytical skills and thought processes when dealing with complex legal instruments. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your understanding of the relationship between human rights and counter-terrorism efforts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you prepare a briefing paper on a complex issue? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with external partners? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to maintain awareness of relevant human rights issues? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle competing deadlines and tasks in a busy internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivated you to apply for this internship with the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org