Legal Affairs -Intern

Job Description

Intern – International Trade Law Division (UNCITRAL), Office of Legal Affairs
Work Location: Vienna
Expected Duration: 2–6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

• The internship is located in the International Trade Law Division (ITLD), Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), United Nations, Vienna.
• ITLD functions as the substantive secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which is the core legal body of the UN system in the field of international trade law.
• UNCITRAL focuses on commercial law and operates separately from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• ITLD comprises a Legislative Branch and a Non-legislative Section, responsible for developing harmonized legal texts and providing technical assistance regarding their adoption and use.
• The internship aims to assist ITLD officers in their mandate and provide the intern with practical training and experience in international trade law.
• The internship is UNPAID and full-time, requiring interns to work five days a week (40 hours) under the direct supervision of ITLD staff.

Specific assignments include:

Legislative Branch

• Assisting with research and preparation of comparative legal studies
• Supporting the drafting of legal texts such as conventions and model laws, including conducting background studies
• Undertaking ad hoc legal and administrative tasks as requested

Non-legislative Section

• Contributing to identifying legislative reform needs and technical assistance priorities in selected countries or sectors
• Assisting with collection and analysis of case law related to UNCITRAL texts
• Supporting the development and maintenance of the UNCITRAL website
• Assisting with coordination functions within the Division

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
• • Be enrolled in or recently completed a graduate program (second university degree or higher)
  • Be enrolled in or recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent)
• Be computer literate in standard software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, research tools)
• Have a demonstrated interest in the work of the UN and commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter, including human rights
• Demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and be open to differing perspectives
• No prior professional work experience is required, but applicants must have a field of study relevant to the internship
• Must provide proof of meeting eligibility criteria during the application process (official certificate required later)
• Desirable qualifications include strong time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of standard office applications

Languages

• Fluency in English or French is required.
• Knowledge of both working languages or another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is an advantage.

Additional Information

• Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations.
• Interns are responsible for their own travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses.
• Non-citizens or non-permanent residents of the host country must obtain appropriate visa and work authorization.
• Successful candidates should confirm specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

Deadline : Aug 7, 2025