UN Law Student Internships: Requirements and Opportunities

An internship with the United Nations is a coveted opportunity for law students seeking to gain practical experience in international law and contribute to the organization's mission. These internships offer invaluable exposure to the workings of international bodies and provide a platform for professional growth. Here's a comprehensive overview of the requirements and opportunities available for law student internships within the UN system.

Overview of UN Legal Internships

The United Nations system offers various internship programs for law students and recent graduates, primarily within its legal departments and related agencies. These internships are designed to provide practical educational experience, allowing participants to apply their legal knowledge in a multicultural, intergovernmental organization.

Key UN Legal Departments and Agencies Offering Internships:

Office of Legal Affairs (OLA): The OLA offers internships in its six divisions located in New York. These internships focus on ongoing projects under the supervision of legal officers.
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL): UNCITRAL offers internships at its secretariat, focusing on international trade law.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): UNHCR provides internships at its headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres, and field offices, focusing on refugee law and protection.
World Bank Legal Vice Presidency: The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency offers internships at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and selected country offices.
Permanent Missions to the UN: Individual country missions, such as the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations, also offer internships.
Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL): CEJIL offers internships focused on international human rights law, particularly in Latin America.

General Requirements for UN Law Student Internships

While specific requirements may vary depending on the department or agency, some general criteria apply to most UN law student internship programs.

Educational Qualifications

Enrollment in a Law Degree Program: Applicants must typically be enrolled in a law degree program such as LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, or Ph.D. (or equivalent). Some programs may require completion of at least the first year of law school.
Recent Graduates: Some internships are open to recent university graduates in law or related fields.

Language Proficiency

English: Proficiency in oral and written English is almost always required.
French: Knowledge of French is often desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Other UN Languages: Knowledge of other United Nations official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) can be an asset.
Additional Languages: Some internships, such as those at CEJIL, may require proficiency in other languages like Spanish.

Skills and Competencies

Professionalism: A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations are essential.
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team and in a multicultural environment.
Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct legal research, analyze information, and summarize findings.

Other Requirements

Personal History Profile (PHP): Completion of a Personal History Profile in the UN e-Recruitment platform (Inspira).
Cover Letter: A cover letter expressing interest in the internship and highlighting relevant qualifications.
Statement of Interest: Some programs, like the World Bank Legal Internship Program, require a statement of interest.
Academic Transcripts: Submission of academic transcripts to verify enrollment in a law degree program.
Visa and Medical Insurance: Interns are responsible for arranging their visas and medical insurance.

Specific Internship Opportunities and Requirements

Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) offers internships to university students and recent graduates in law and related fields. Admission is highly competitive.

Responsibilities: Interns undertake tasks related to ongoing projects under the supervision of a legal officer. Responsibilities encompass various aspects of OLA's work.
Application Period: The internship program is advertised at the beginning of January, May, and September.
Application Process: Applicants must create and complete a Personal History Profile (PHP) and a cover letter in the UN e-Recruitment platform, Inspira.
Divisions of Interest: Applicants can indicate three divisions of interest within the OLA.
Remote Internships: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, internships may be conducted remotely.
Eligibility: OLA interns are not eligible to apply for positions in the professional or above categories within the UN Secretariat for six months after the internship.

UNCITRAL

Internships at the UNCITRAL secretariat focus on international trade law.

Application Process: Candidates must apply to specific internship job openings through the UN Careers portal.
Responsibilities: Interns assist with the preparation and drafting of legal texts.
Selection: Admission to the UNCITRAL internship program is highly competitive.

UNHCR

UNHCR internships are available at its headquarters, Global Service Centres, and field offices.

Responsibilities: Interns contribute to various aspects of UNHCR's work, such as community-based protection, procurement processes, and drafting Senior Management Committee (SMC) notes.
Locations: Internships are offered in Geneva, Amman, Budapest, Copenhagen, and various field country offices.
Allowance and Travel Costs: Part-time interns receive 50% of the full-time allowance. UNHCR may reimburse return travel costs for interns engaged from outside the duty station country.
Diversity and Inclusion: UNHCR encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of nationality, culture, language, or opinion.

World Bank Legal Vice Presidency

The World Bank Legal Internship Program offers opportunities at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and selected country offices.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold citizenship of an IBRD member state and be enrolled in a law degree program.
Application Periods:
- Summer Internship Program: Application period is from November 1 to November 30.
- Fall Internship Program: Application period is from April 1 to April 30.
- Internship at Country Offices: Opportunities are limited to offices where a lawyer from the Legal Vice Presidency is present.
Application Process: Applicants must submit a résumé, statement of interest, proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, and a short essay responding to a research question.
Responsibilities: Interns conduct legal research, analyze information, participate in task teams, and assist in the preparation of conferences and meetings.
Visa: Students must have valid student visa documents sponsored by their educational institutions.
Cost: The World Bank does not provide monetary compensation but requires interns to be remunerated by their university or sponsoring organization or receive academic credit.

Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations

The Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations offers internships to law students.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a US-based law school and have completed at least the first year.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required.
Application Process: Screening interviews are conducted on a rolling basis.
Interview: The Permanent Mission conducts interviews over the internet.

Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)

CEJIL's legal internship program is designed principally for law students or law graduates interested in a career in international human rights law, with a particular interest in Latin America.

Language Proficiency: Solid command of the Spanish language.
Responsibilities: Legal interns are paired with a CEJIL staff attorney and are actively involved in three areas of work: the Legal Defense Program, the Training and Dissemination Program, and the Campaign to Strengthen the Inter-American System. Interns will collaborate with their attorney on cases before the Inter American Commission and Court.
Application Process: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Internship responsibilities vary widely depending on the specific role and department. Common tasks include:

Conducting legal research on assigned issues.
Analyzing information and summarizing findings.
Drafting legal documents and texts.
Assisting in the preparation of conferences and meetings.
Participating in task teams and projects.
Compiling budget information.
Contributing to reports and publications.

Benefits of a UN Law Student Internship

A UN law student internship offers numerous benefits, including:

Professional Experience: Gaining practical experience in international law within an international organization.
Networking: Building connections with legal professionals and experts in the field.
Skill Development: Enhancing research, analytical, and communication skills.
Multicultural Exposure: Working in a multicultural environment with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Contribution to Global Issues: Contributing to the work of the United Nations and its mission to address global challenges.

Application Process and Tips

Monitor the UN Careers Portal: Regularly check the UN Careers portal (careers.un.org) for internship openings.
Prepare a Strong Application: Craft a compelling cover letter and Personal History Profile, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to match the specific requirements of each internship.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents you in the best possible light.
Apply Early: Submit your application well before the deadline.
Follow Instructions: Carefully follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform.

Important Considerations

Unpaid Internships: Most UN internships are unpaid.
Visa and Insurance: Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and medical insurance.
Remote Work: Some internships may be conducted remotely due to global circumstances.
Eligibility for Future Employment: OLA interns may not be eligible for certain positions within the UN Secretariat for a specified period after the internship.

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