Under general guidance of the Deputy Director and the supervision of the designated legal officer of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, the intern will: • Conduct legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international law, international relations and other area(s) of specialization using multiple research sources; select relevant material, analyse information and present findings for internal review. • Assist Legal Officers in the review of legal documents, instruments, agreements, memoranda of understanding, contracts or other instruments to which the Organization is to be a party, or other material; identify important issues, similarities and inconsistencies, etc. • Assist in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, and other documents on legal subjects. • Assist Legal Officers in servicing the Assembly, committees, working groups and other bodies, including preparation of summaries of issues and views of delegations etc. • Assist in preparation of draft replies to correspondence from States, other international organizations and individuals. • Perform other related duties, as assigned.
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. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box.” Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
At the time of application, candidates are required to have completed or be enrolled in a graduate degree programme (second-level university degree or higher) in a field of study related to international law. Applicants pursuing studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages should have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English is required. A working knowledge of a second language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.