Political Affairs – Intern

position description

Work Location

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>In person in New York; full-time modalities would be considered.

Expected Duration

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months upon satisfactory performance of the initial three months.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Desired start date: January/February 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>This position is located in the Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate (OVRA).

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>The mandate of the Victims’ Rights Advocate was created as part of the four-pronged strategy outlined in the 2017 Secretary-General report (A/71/818) on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>The mandate ensures the rights and dignity of victims are prioritized in the UN system-wide response to sexual exploitation and abuse alleged to be perpetrated by UN personnel and non-UN troops under a Security Council mandate.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>The intern will support the work of OVRA under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Specific duties include:

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Conduct research and analysis on matters of concern to the VRA.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Prepare ad hoc short policy papers related to the VRA’s mandate.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Draft or contribute to notes, background papers, talking points, speeches, and other materials.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Attend meetings and conferences and take notes.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Provide support for meetings of Senior Victims’ Rights Officers and Victims’ Rights Focal Points.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Assist in communication, public information activities, and outreach.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Applicants must meet one of the following:

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Be computer literate in standard software applications.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, with tolerance for differing opinions.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>No prior work experience is required; relevant training, education, or advanced coursework should benefit the UN during the internship.

Languages

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>fluency in English is required.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Visa and Work Authorization Requirements:

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>For internships in the United States, persons who are not US citizens, permanent residents, or on another non-immigrant status (e.g., F1 or J1 visa) must obtain a G4 visa.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>The selected intern is responsible for ensuring a valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT) to undertake the internship.

Intern Specific Text

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization.

<li style="margin-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 1.2em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: inside;”>Successful candidates should discuss visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

Application instructions

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