Political Affairs Intern - Office for Disarmament Affairs null

About United Nations

The United Nations stands as a global sentinel for cooperation, championing diplomacy over conflict and unity over division. Committed to fostering peace, development, and human rights, it transcends borders to address the world's most pressing challenges, epitomizing the collective aspirations of humanity toward a harmonious and just world.

Your role

Duties and Responsibilities

This internship is hosted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) through its Middle East Unit (MEU). ODA/MEU is seeking qualified interns for an internship of 2-6 months, depending on the needs of ODA/MEU and the willingness of the applicant. ODA advises and assists the Secretary-General in the discharge of his responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations and implements mandates given by the General Assembly, the Security Council, and other organs of the United Nations system, in the area of disarmament and related security. The Middle East Unit provides procedural and substantive support to the Conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, its rotating presidency, and its subsidiary bodies.

The Unit is also responsible for the preparation of political analyses and substantive background notes on developments related to weapons of mass destruction in the region of the Middle East and related political and security issues. The Unit also participates in preparing substantive assessments and inputs to reports to intergovernmental and oversight bodies. The Political Affairs intern will work under the overall guidance of the Chief of MEU and direct supervision of the Political Affairs Officer. 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:

• Assist 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;
• Assist with conferences and meetings;
• Fulfill other duties as required.

Training & development

The United Nations internship program provides aspiring professionals with comprehensive training, cultivating skills and knowledge across diverse fields. Through mentorship, workshops, and practical assignments, interns gain valuable experience to contribute effectively to the UN's global mission.

Benefits

If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Health insurance.
• Holidays and leave.
• Retirement pension.
• Travel and shipping expenses, etc.

Career progression

The United Nations encourages exploring where you'll thrive within the team, offering global and flexible opportunities to develop professional interests worldwide as your career advances, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling journey.

Work-life balance

The United Nations strongly recognizes that interns need time for personal and social activities outside of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The intern is expected to work five days a week, on a full-time basis. They provide opportunities for interns to engage in meaningful work while ensuring they have time for personal growth and well-being.

Culture & vibe

At the United Nations, the culture and vibe are truly exceptional. From savoring a delightful cup of coffee to engaging with talented colleagues, it's a place that offers insightful experiences in a friendly environment. Embracing diversity, the workspace becomes a vibrant hub of varied perspectives, while maintaining high standards for sustained success.

About you

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 is required. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. Program or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master or Ph.D. Program.

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).

In addition, interested candidates must:

• Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and the work of the Office for Disarmament Affairs and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Familiarity with nuclear and weapons-of-mass-destruction policy and Middle East regional security issues is desirable.

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. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

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.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx
• careers.un.org/career-development -- Training and career progression
• careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en --- benefits
• youtube.com/unitednations