Background As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. The Office of Legal Services in the Bureau for Management Services (BMS/OLS) serves as in-house counsel in UNDP. The Office provide advice and assistance on a range of legal matters relating to the UNDP’s operations. OLS consists of three operational Teams: Corporate and Institutional Law Team (C&I), Programmes and Projects Team (P&P) and Administrative Law Team (AL). The Administrative Law Team (AL) in BMS/OLS is seeking a Legal Intern to support its work. The AL Team is responsible for advising senior management in Headquarters, Country Offices and of affiliated funds and programmes on legal issues related to the administration of staff members and UN volunteers. The AL Team’s functions include reviewing and advising on the formulation of policies and procedures, acting in the review of investigations and recommending action in cases of allegations of misconduct, as well as appeals against administrative decisions. In addition, the AL Team is responsible for handling litigation in cases within the internal UN court system. Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Legal Advisor, the Legal Intern will provide support and assistance to the lawyers in the AL Team by carrying out the following tasks:
Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies
Business Development – Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
a) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law;
b) enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in law or a related subject;
c) enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in law or a related subject, and undertake the internship as part of this program;
d) have recently graduated with a university degree (a master’s or bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
Experience, Knowledge and Skills: Previous experience working in a legal context is an asset; Knowledge of the organization of the UN system, and specifically UNDP, is an asset. Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of French is an advantage. UNDP Terms & Conditions for Internship: UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly; Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will (subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party) pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend; Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institution; The intern must provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship; Interns are not staff and therefore, are not covered by UN Staff Regulations and Rules. Application Procedure:The application should be submitted via this website and should contain:
a) Cover Letter that describes the candidate’s motivation for applying for the position;
b) Curriculum Vitae.
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The Selected Candidate will be required to Provide the Following Additional Documents: Medical Certificate of good health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether the intern is fit to travel and has had the required inoculations for the country or countries to which the intern is to travel; Proof of health insurance coverage valid for the duration of the internship; Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a degree program, specifying the subject and level of the program and expected graduation date, or Diploma if the intern has graduated within the last year; Copy of current school Transcript if enrolled in school, or transcript from most recently completed year. Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)