Intern - Policy, Research, and Advocacy

Tags: Human Rights internship peacekeeping Law English language peacekeeping political affairs
  • Added Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
  • Deadline Date: Tuesday, 09 December 2025
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Work LocationNew York The internship would normally be conducted onsite at the UNHQ - New York. However, there is a possibility to conduct the initial period in New York, followed by remote work. The granting of a remote internship is dependent on operational requirements and will be at the sole discretion of the United Nations. Expected duration4 - 6 Months The internship is for a period of four to six months. The internship is unpaid and can be either part-time or full-time depending on your status. Interns work four to five days per week (20h up to 35h) under the supervision of a staff member in OSCSEA. With possible start date on 1 February 2026. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA) supports the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the leadership of United Nations offices, departments, funds and programmes, along with other Implementing Partners, to strengthen the response to sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. Within the delegated authority the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties: • Conduct research on issues related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse including data collection and analysis; • Support in implementing advocacy, internal and external communications strategies and campaigns, including through the use of web-based tools; • Provide general office support services; drafting and/or processing a variety of correspondence and other communications; • Assist in preparing, updating and maintaining a variety of presentations and other communications and information materials; • May supports legal and/or policy research, including comparative analysis and drafting related to UN accountability frameworks and policy documents on sexual exploitation and abuse, in accordance with international, criminal, human rights, and administrative law. • Undertake other responsibilities, as required. Qualifications/special skillsTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: (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 first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Experience: 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. Skills: 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. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationVisa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, interns who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. Interns will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and if required, employment authorization (CPT/OPT), allowing them to undertake the internship. Intern Specific textInterns 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 FeeTHE 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.

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