Work Location
Flexible: this internship is designed to be remote and full-time but can be adjusted based on request by the successful candidate
Expected duration
3 months minimum and 6 months maximum, with an expected start date of 3 June 2024 and can be adjusted upon request of the successful candidate.
Duties and Responsibilities
The position of Data Protection Intern is located in the Information Systems Management Section (ISMS) of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM), located in Geneva, Switzerland. The intern will report to the ISMS Associate Legal Officer and the Chief of ISMS and the intern will: - Examine the UN’s overarching legal framework with respect to data protection. - Learn the principle of UN privileges and immunities, particularly as applicable to the IIIM’s work. - Identify questions for the IIIM to consider to continue strengthening and refining its processing of personal data of an unstructured, complex nature. - Develop resources to facilitate internal communications setting out the IIIM’s obligations towards the privacy interests of identified data subjects. The intern will be responsible for supporting ISMS on issues of data protection. Tasks will include: - Researching issues related to data protection and its application to the IIIM. - Compiling any relevant research and analysis into a final brief for the IIIM. Assignments will not involve any direct work with evidentiary material in the IIIM’s Central Repository of Information and Evidence.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor degree or equivalent.) Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience; however, previous legal experience is an asset. A field of study closely related to the type of internship you are applying for is required such as Law. Applicants must be a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent), or have completed a bachelor's or equivalent, or be enrolled in, or have completed a master's or Ph.D. programme or equivalent. 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. Applicants must have strong legal research and writing skills. Prior experience with data protection is desirable A demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes a willingness to understand and be tolerant of different opinions and views is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
Additional Information
ASSESSMENT A complete online application including all of the documents listed below is required. Please note that documents may only be in English, and that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 1. A cover letter setting out the motivation of the candidate and dates of availability. 2. An original legal writing sample in English that is no longer than ten pages. 3. An official copy of university/law school transcripts (including courses taken and grades received). 4. A list of (3) references. The hiring team may contact short-listed candidates directly if further information is needed during the review of their application. Due to the high volume of applications received, candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted. SPECIAL NOTICE There should be no expectation of employment by the United Nations or the IIIM upon completion of the internship. IIIM interns are responsible for all internship-related expenses that they incur. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon award of an internship, interns are responsible for securing adequate insurance coverage and are required to sign and return a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of these conditions of service. For in-person internships, candidates of certain nationalities must obtain a visa authorizing their stay in Switzerland before they depart for Geneva to begin their internship. While this is the overall responsibility of the selected candidate, the IIIM will provide information and supporting documents in this regard. All internship recruitment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits interns regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. An applicant who bears to a staff member any other family relationship may be engaged as an intern, provided that he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member. Fulfilment of the responsibilities of this position may necessitate engagement with material and/or information that may be distressing.
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.
