Political Affairs Intern

Internship

Overview

Apply for an unpaid internship focusing on political and peacebuilding issues in Afghanistan.

You have:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent).
• Coursework in international relations, conflict prevention, and human rights is desirable.
• Good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS Powerpoint, and MS Teams.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship.
• Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.

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, USA (3 days in person, 2 days telecommuting)

Expected duration

3-6 months, desired start date of 15 August 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

The duration of the internship is for three (3) or six (6) months with a possibility of extension. This internship is UNPAID and is designed to be in person and full-time (35 hours per week). This internship is located in the Afghanistan Team, Asia and the Pacific Division, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Departments play a central role in United Nations efforts to prevent and resolve conflict around the world. The Intern reports to the Team Leader. Responsibilities of this internship will encompass many aspects of the Afghanistan Team's work. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Monitoring and analysis of operational, political, security and other relevant developments related to the mandate and activities of the Special Political Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), with a particular focus on human rights and Women, Peace, Security (WPS) issues; • Drafting of various documents (briefing notes, meeting notes, talking points • Note-taking at meetings and conferences; • Assistance in the organization of the Meetings of Special Envoys on Afghanistan and related activities as requested; • Assistance in the development of strategic communications, presentations and visualizations; • Assistance in data collection and information management.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants at the time of application must meet one of the following requirements: • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. For this particular internship course work in international relations, conflict prevention, and human rights is desirable. A demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, Afghanistan and/or the region is of added value. 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. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS Powerpoint, and MS Teams; the ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts is desirable; the ability to design surveys and polls is desirable.

Languages

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

Additional Information

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems cannot be engaged as an intern. Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged as an intern. In your Motivational Statement, please indicate when you would like to start your internship. Please note that the start and end dates are flexible. A complete online application is required. The Motivational Statement must also include: • Title of degree you are currently pursuing. • Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/have graduated from the programme?) • Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship • Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 11 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: careers.un.org