Intern – Legal

Work Location

In-person, Nairobi, Kenya

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. For nearly forty years, UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements worldwide, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. The position is in the Legal Unit/Office of Executive Director, Nairobi, Kenya. The Legal Unit Provides legal advice on legal matters pertaining to operational activities and represents the organization at a wide range of inter-agency and partners meetings as required, in order to protect the interest of UN-Habitat and minimize liabilities. It facilitates resolution of conflicts and influences parties to accept solutions to achieve the objectives of the organization. Responsibilities Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the interns’ assigned office as well as the internship period. Under the direct supervision of the Legal Officer, intern will: – Assisting the Legal Officer in carrying out legal research and other legal related functions. – Research rules, policies and regulations of the UN, both constitutional and operational, and including privileges and immunities, the use of the UN logo, the name and emblem and draft memoranda there on. – Research issues relating to international commercial and contract law as applicable to international public institutions and their dealings with partners. – Assist with the drafting of legal memoranda, submissions, or portions thereof, including statements of relevant facts, reviewing drafts of correspondences and legal submissions. – Research Administrative Tribunal decisions in connection with the hearing of the UNDT, the Appeals Tribunal, and prepare submissions and briefs. – Contribute to the sharing of legal knowledge within UN-Habitat. – Assisting in the setting up of the legal database of UN-Habitat, reviewing drafts and templates. – Assist with other matters as required. – Perform any assignment made by the Legal Officer.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: 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 program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent), c. Have graduated with Bachelor’s degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent. Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite). Have demonstrated a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Preferred areas of study: Law or a related field. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Do you have a knowledge of the principles of Public International Law and the application of the UN rules and regulations?

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.