Political Affairs Intern

Work LocationIn person in New York or remote, full time or part time modalities would be considered. Expected durationThe internship duration is 4 months with the possibility of extension for an additional 2 months. The desired start date is February-2026. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe mandate and work of the office derive from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent General Assembly resolutions, as well as successive Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. The role of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict is to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raise awareness, promote the collection of information about the plight of children affected by war, and foster international cooperation to improve their protection. This internship is in the Monitoring, Reporting and Regional Partnerships (MRR) Team of the OSRSG CAAC in New York. The intern will report to the Project Lead/Political Affairs Officer. The intern will work closely with the team on various initiatives and tasks related to the OSRSG CAAC mandate, with focus on the implementation of a regional project in Africa, in particular in cooperation with the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States. The internship is unpaid and full-time (35h/week). A part-time modality may be considered depending on the intern's status. Responsibilities Within the delegated authority, the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties: Conduct research on various issues related to the children and armed conflict mandate, with a focus on child protection in continental and regional early warning systems in Africa. Support the preparation of a regional conference on children and armed conflict and the prevention of grave violations in Central Africa. Support country desk officers as needed with research, drafting, note-taking or other tasks related to the situation of children affected by armed conflict in situations on the agenda of the mandate. Assist in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles, and other materials, including public information materials using data visualization tools. Participate in and take notes at events and meetings with stakeholders. Perform other duties, including administrative tasks, as needed. Qualifications/special skillsTo 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 first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Applicants must 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. Work Experience No work 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. Competencies Ability to research, compile, and draft materials with accuracy and clarity. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work as a member of a team. Ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is or another UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationVisa 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 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.