Legal Affairs Directorate - Internship

Job Description

Work Location: Bern

Expected duration: Duration: 6 months
Start date: As soon as possible

Duties and Responsibilities

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), an intergovernmental organization and specialized agency of the United Nations, is the main forum for cooperation between postal sector players responsible for regulating the international postal service.

It comprises 192 member countries and is headquartered in Berne, Switzerland. Its primary objective is to promote a quality and accessible postal service throughout the world, and its fundamental mission is to develop social, cultural and commercial communication between the peoples of the planet.

The UPU is seeking an intern, under the supervision of the Director of the Legal Affairs Department (DAJ), to:

• Carry out research and analysis and prepare draft documents on a number of legal issues related to the structure, functions and activities of the UPU, particularly in the areas of public international law and administrative law (with particular reference to the United Nations common system);
• Assist in the preliminary analysis of legal instruments such as treaties, agreements, regulations, resolutions and other legal documents relevant to the work of the UPU;
• Assist the Director and other members of the DAJ in the provision of services within the competence of the UPU, including preparation of background papers, reports and other documents; synthesis of views and practices on particular legal issues; and preparation of draft legal instruments such as treaties, agreements, contracts, internal rules and regulations or other legislative texts relating to the UPU.

Qualifications/special skills

Technical knowledge:

• Law student attached to a university or institution of a similar nature and whose course of study is in progress or about to be completed, or law graduate (graduated a maximum of six months prior to the starting date of the internship).
• Good knowledge of public international law, the law of international organizations and/or arbitration law.
• Minimum age: 20 years.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written command of French or English (UN level III), and good oral and written command of the other language (UN level II).

Additional Information

** Please ensure that you submit a cover letter with your application **

In line with UPU rules, this traineeship is reserved EXCLUSIVELY for STUDENTS. Any other candidate profile will not be considered. Recent graduates in the areas described above are also invited to apply. They must have graduated within six months of the date of this announcement.

The traineeship will be remunerated in accordance with current UPU Human Resources rules.

Intern Specific text

Interns 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 Fee

THE 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 APPLICANTS019 BANK ACCOUNTS.

Deadline : Dec 30, 2025