Legal Intern

Job Description

Work Location: UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration: 2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background:

Legal and regulatory frameworks are fundamental to fostering transparent, competitive, and well-functioning markets. In the Arab region, efforts to enhance legal accessibility and regulatory consistency are supported by initiatives such as the Arab Business Legislative Framework (ABLF) and the Arab Legislations Portal (ALP), which provide comprehensive legal resources and analysis.

At the same time, targeted research and market studies—such as the project to assess the building materials sector in Oman and the evaluation of legal frameworks—play a crucial role in evaluating the impact of regulations on economic sectors and identifying areas for improvement.

To support these initiatives, the legal assistant will assist in research and documentation efforts for both the Oman market study for the building material sector and broader regional legal frameworks, including the ABLF and ALP. The work will also include contributions to the final assessment of Oman market study for the building material sector.

This role involves analyzing legislation, maintaining legal databases, preparing reports, and assisting in the development of legal resources. By supporting these projects, the legal assistant will assist the team to strengthen the accessibility and effectiveness of legal and regulatory frameworks across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct preliminary research on assigned legal topics, particularly related to the building materials sector in Oman, utilizing existing legal records and various reference sources.
• Provide general project assistance by drafting, editing, and proofreading documents, presentations, and reports with legal component.
• Contribute to the development of reports, country profiles, and related analyses of the ABLF.
• Gather and input legal data into a computerized database system and contribute to the ongoing updates of the ALP.
• Support activities related to the legal assessment of Oman market study for the building material sector.
• Support the organization and maintenance of electronic legal reference files to ensure quick and efficient information retrieval.
• Perform additional tasks and assignments as directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

1. Applicants must:
   • (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
   • (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
   • (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above);
2. Applicants must:
   • (a) be computer literate in standard software applications.
   • (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
   • (c) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

No previous work experience is required for this job opening.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

A completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following:

• Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?).
• Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?).
• List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
• List of your top three areas of interest.
• Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Explanation of 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. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service.

Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship.

The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months.

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 APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.