Political Affairs Intern

Contract

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

Work Location

In-Person based in UN HQ New York

Expected duration

4 - 6 months. 15 March 2024

Duties and Responsibilities

This internship is hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) through its Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). ODA/CAB is seeking for qualified interns for an internship of 4-6 months, depending on the needs of ODA/CAB and the willingness of applicant. ODA advises and assists the Secretary-General in the discharge of his responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations and the implements mandates given by the General Assembly, the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations system, in the area of disarmament and related security. For more information, please refer to: https:www.un.org/disarmament. ODA/CAB provides substantive support in the area of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons control; weapons and ammunition management; arms transfers; transparency in armaments; military confidence building measures and armed violence reduction. During the internship period, the Fourth Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons is scheduled from 18-28 June 2024. The internship will provide support to the preparations and service to the Conference, among other duties. For more information, please refer to: https://disarmament.unoda.org/conventional-arms/. The Political Affairs intern works under the overall guidance of the Chief of CAB and direct supervision of the internship coordinator. This internship is unpaid and is designed to be full-time and in-person at the New York duty station. Interns will be assigned to a primary supervisor and are expected to adhere to the established official working hours five days per week with one hour for lunch break. The manager may consider some flexible time arrangements at the request of the successful candidates. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the intern's assigned tasks, and the internship period. The intern shall undertake the following duties which may include, but are not limited to: • Provide assistance in drafting and preparing official documents, summaries, talking points, speeches, remarks and web content; • Attend and summarize conferences and meetings; • Conduct research, including document, media and internet searches; • Provide assistance during conferences and meetings; • Fulfill other duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (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). Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening. In addition, interested candidates must: • Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point); • Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and • 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.

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

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 is required. 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.

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.