Political Affairs Intern

Assist with drafting documents, research, and attending meetings.

This opening expired 3 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNODA - Office for Disarmament Affairs

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Wednesday 11 Mar 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist with drafting documents, research, and attending meetings.

You have:

  • 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.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
  • Fluency in Arabic is desirable.

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

Expected duration

3-6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Political Affairs intern will work under the overall guidance of the Chief of MEU 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 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. • 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.

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 a time when you successfully conducted research for a project? This question assesses your research skills and ability to gather information effectively. Provide a specific instance where your research made a significant contribution.
How would you approach drafting official documents with limited guidance? This question evaluates your drafting skills and initiative. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to summarize conferences or meetings? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you've adjusted to feedback from supervisors in a previous role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in political affairs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure your work is culturally sensitive and aware, especially in a diverse environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would prepare for a meeting involving multiple stakeholders. What steps would you take? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you believe internships are important for professional development? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.un.org