POLITICAL AFFAIRS (Intern)

Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate and work of the office derives from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent General Assembly resolutions, as well as successive Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. The role of the SRSG-CAAC is to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raise awareness, promote the collection of information about the plight of children affected by war and foster international cooperation to improve their protection. The incumbent reports to the Special Assistant to the SRSG-CAAC.

The internship is UNPAID and can be either full-time (35h/week) or part-time (20h/week). Interns work four up to five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority the Political Affairs Intern will perform the following duties:

• Conduct research and reference searches on various issues related to the children and armed conflict mandate, including on political and security developments and humanitarian issues
• Monitor and report on EU and Human Rights Council discussions, initiatives and processes relevant to the children and armed conflict mandate
• Attend and take notes at conferences and meetings
• Assist in servicing conferences and meetings
• Assist in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles and other materials
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to research and compile background materials, draft and edit written material in English. Ability to prioritize and manage time and resources efficiently and effectively. Familiarity in the use of various electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to serve as note-taker at meetings and /or produce summary reports. Use of tact in and ability to handle confidential information on sensitive political issues with due discretion. Awareness of the work of the United Nations including the Security Council and interest in conflict affected countries.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.