Work Location

Brussels, Belgium

Expected duration

Expected duration of internship is 6 months. The desired start date is 14 October 2024.

Duties and Responsibilities

The mandate and work of the office derives from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent General Assembly resolutions, as well as successive Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. The role of the SRSG-CAAC is to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raise awareness, promote the collection of information about the plight of children affected by war and foster international cooperation to improve their protection. The internship is UNPAID and full-time (35h/week). Interns work under the supervision of a staff member in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Within the delegated authority the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties: • Conduct research and reference searches on various issues related to the children and armed conflict mandate, including on political and security developments and humanitarian issues • Monitor and report on EU and Human Rights Council discussions, initiatives and processes relevant to the children and armed conflict mandate • Attend and take notes at conferences and meetings • Assist in servicing conferences and meetings • Assist in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles and other materials • Perform other duties as assigned. Competencies Professionalism: Ability to research and compile background materials, draft and edit written material in English. Ability to prioritize and manage time and resources efficiently and effectively. Familiarity in the use of various electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to serve as note-taker at meetings and /or produce summary reports. Use of tact in and ability to handle confidential information on sensitive political issues with due discretion. Awareness of the work of the United Nations including the Security Council and interest in conflict affected countries. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Be computer literate in standard software applications; Applicants should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. In addition, candidates should 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. 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 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French are required. Knowledge in Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

Terms of the internship programme: – The duration of this internship is six months. – Interns are expected to work on a full-time basis in the entity that has selected them, under the supervision of a staff member at an appropriate level. The working hours will be discussed with your supervisor at the time of the interview. Internships may be undertaken on the basis of flexible working arrangements if the receiving entity agrees in writing to accept an intern on the basis of flexible working arrangements. – Interns serving in one entity do not have a right to transfer to another entity. – Full provisions related to the conditions and terms of the United Nations Internship Programme can be accessed on the following link: https://undocs.org/ST/AI/2020/1 . Potential candidates will be contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration. A completed online application (Cover Note and Candidate Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: – Title of degree you are currently pursuing – Graduation date from your current program – List of IT skills and programmes you are proficient in – List your top three areas of interest/department preferences – Explain why you are the best candidate – Explain your interest in the UN Internship Programme in your Candidate Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences (if any), skills, and three references. Due to a 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.