Intern - Political Affairs

Work LocationHYBRID Expected duration3-6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe internship is located in the African Union Partnership Unit (AUPU). The unit is embedded in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The AUPU oversees the strategic, political, and operational partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in the areas of peace and security, and monitors and analyzes related trends in the region. The intern will assist AUPU by providing support on matters relating to cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the areas of conflict prevention, conflict management, peacekeeping and peacebuilding in Africa. The intern will also assist with coordination within the United Nations, in particular the United Nations Office to the African Union, and with other partners, as appropriate. The internship is for an initial period of three months with a possibility of extension for up to six months, depending on the needs of the office. The internship is UNPAID in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premise working arrangement from New York, USA. If agreed, the internship may be undertaken in a hybrid-working arrangement at the United Nations premise in New York, USA, working in person at least thrice a week. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned. The Intern reports to a Political Affairs Officer. Within the delegated authority, the Intern will perform the following duties: • Monitor and analyze political and security developments in Africa and the related positions and actions of the African Union; • Based on situation reports, press clippings, and media reports, provide a news feed on political developments in Africa and AU-related matters; • Monitor general issues and summarize key public and academic articles, correspondences relating to the AU; • Prepare infographics on developments in the areas under the purview of AUPU; • Assist in the preparation of briefing materials for senior UN officials; • Participate in meetings and draft minutes/meeting summaries; • Carry out individual research assignments; • Perform any other duties as requested. Qualifications/special skillsApplicants at the time of application must meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Studies or experience related to Africa is desirable. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, including MS Word and MS PowerPoint. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationThe United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems cannot be engaged as an intern. Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged as an intern. In your Motivational Statement, please indicate when you would like to start your internship. Please note that the start and end dates are flexible. A complete online application is required. The Motivational Statement must also include: Title of degree you are currently pursuing; Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/have graduated from the programme?); Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship; Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. 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.