JOB DESCRIPTION

Work Location

In person in New York, full time modalities would be considered.

Expected duration

Three months with possibility of extension up to six months, upon satisfactory performance of the initial three months. Desired start date: January/February 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is located in the Office of the Victims” Rights Advocate (OVRA). The mandate of the Victims” Rights Advocate was created as part of the four-pronged strategy set out in the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on special measures on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach (A/71/818). Its mandate is directed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of victims are at the forefront of all elements of the United Nations system-wide response to sexual exploitation and abuse alleged to be perpetrated by United Nations uniformed or civilian personnel and non-United Nations troops serving under a Security Council mandate. The intern will support the work of the Office of the Victims” Rights Advocate and work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer. Within the delegated authority, the Political Affairs intern will perform the following duties:

• Conduct research and analysis on matters of concern to the work of the VRA.
• Prepare ad hoc short policy papers on topics related to the VRA”s mandate.
• Draft or contribute to the drafting of notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other materials in the area of responsibility.
• Attend and take notes of the proceedings of meetings and conferences.
• Provide support for meetings of the Senior Victims” Rights Officers and Victims” Rights Focal Points.
• Assist in communication and public information activities and outreach.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (1) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (2) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum bachelor”s level 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. 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required, Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship.

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.