Applications for the 2012 United Nations General Assembly Internship Program have closed. Please be advised that the information below reflects the 2012 application process. Please check back in early 2013 for further information on how to apply for the 2013 United Nations General Assembly Internship Program.
United Nations General Assembly Internship Program
Each year the Australian Mission offers up to six internship positions that run for the duration of the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The General Assembly begins in mid-September and continues until just before Christmas – running for thirteen weeks in all. The Mission’s 2012 UNGA Internship Program will commence on Monday, 10 September 2012.
The job
The Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations works to support and advance Australia’s interests over a wide range of areas within the United Nations system. The Mission serves as the nucleus of the Australian delegation to the regular sessions of the General Assembly and represents Australia at a range of UN meetings that take place when the Assembly is not in session.
The work of the Mission is intense and diverse, requiring flexibility, analytical thinking and a firm understanding of diplomatic principles. The environment is complex and demanding but the work is highly rewarding for the right people.
Successful internship candidates will work under the guidance of experienced officers and will be expected to contribute to the regular diplomatic reporting undertaken by the Mission. They will primarily assist with policy work on the six main UNGA Committees – for example, attending committees and meetings and assisting with negotiations of texts and resolutions.
Interns represent the Australian Government in a formal capacity in an international environment. Therefore social and cultural maturities as well as being a clear communicator are essential qualities.
The General Assembly
The General Assembly is a very important part of the United Nations calendar. During this period interns should expect to attend several formal and informal meetings a day. The daily meetings of the General Assembly and its main committees take place from 10.00am to 1.00pm and from 3.00pm to 6.00pm with regional and other groups often meeting in the moring, through the lunch break and at other times throughout the session. Be prepared for a busy schedule and working days that will often extend beyond these set times.
Key Selection Criteria
The Key Selection Criteria for the UNGA Internship program are:
• relevant qualifications and/or experience – with preference given to those who have completed tertiary studies in the areas of political science, international relations, international law, human rights, gender studies, environment and international development;
• clear communication and strong interpersonal skills;
• problem solving and analytical skills; and
• proven ability to handle high pressure environments.
Prior exposure to, or demonstrated knowledge of, the United Nations system and Australian policies and priorities within the United Nations are highly desirable.
Our internship training
The first week of the UNGA internship program will include briefings and training on the workings of the Mission and the UN as a whole. Once the General Assembly is in session, the training provided to interns at the Mission is very much ‘on-the-job’. Interns will learn firsthand how the foreign service functions and gain a useful understanding of international negotiations. Over the course of the internship, they will develop a working knowledge of key UN departments and personnel and come to grips with the complexities of UN protocol and rules of procedure.
Conduct and Ethics
The Mission demands the highest standards of professional conduct from its employees. Ethical conduct by staff and interns contributes significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace and to the standing of the Mission in New York, Australia and internationally.
In agreeing to participate in the Mission’s Internship Program and undertake duties as directed, interns are required to comply with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Locally Engaged Staff Code of Conduct, which takes account of the particular significance of the department’s representational role outside of Australia. They should be ready to accept direction and guidance from Mission officers.
Self-funded
The Mission is not able to provide financial assistance to successful applicants. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, workers compensation and health insurance arrangements. The Mission will assist with visa arrangements.
Obligatory requirements
To be an eligible applicant, you must:
• be an Australian citizen, or have been granted Australian citizenship by the end of May 2012;
• be available to re-locate to New York on a self-funded basis for the complete program from 10 September 2012 – late December;
• sign and abide by the Mission's secrecy declaration; and
• be willing to undergo a mandatory police check.
Key dates 2012 – UNGA Internship
30 April 2012 – Applications open
14 May 2012 – Applications close
Mid May 2012 – Internship Committee meets
Mid-late May 2012 – Short-listed applicants interviewed
Early June 2012 – Internship offers extended to successful applicants
Mid June 2012 – Successful applicants undertake police check clearance
10 September 2012 – Internship program commences in New York
How to apply
To apply, please send:
• a one page covering letter indicating policy areas of interest;
• responses to the Key Selection Criteria detailed above – please include relevant examples and limit each criterion to 200 words;
• a CV of no more than three pages; and
• two references.
Applications for the UNGA Internship Program must be received by email or post, with a preference for email.
Please send applications to:
Krystalla Pearce - [email protected]
Or:
Krystalla Pearce
Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations
150 East 42nd Street, 33rd Floor
New York NY 10017
United States of America
For further information please contact Krystalla Pearce by email: [email protected] or by phone: +1 212 351 6638.