Legal Intern UN New York

Legal Intern, Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), New York, United States

Are you an aspiring legal professional eager to contribute to global counter-terrorism efforts? The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) offers an impactful Legal Intern UN New York position. Indeed, this role provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience within the United Nations, focusing on critical international legal and counter-terrorism issues. You’ll work at the forefront of international justice, directly contributing to vital global security initiatives. This is an unparalleled chance to immerse yourself in the complexities of international law and its application in combating a pressing global threat.

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Opportunity Snapshot: Your Legal Intern UN New York Role

• Job Title: Legal Intern

• Organization: Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED)

• Work Location: United Nations HQ, New York, United States

• Expected Duration: 3 to 6 months, starting September 2025

• Grade: I-1 (Internship – unpaid)

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About the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED)

CTED rigorously supports the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), a principal subsidiary body established in the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Specifically, the Directorate assesses Member States’ implementation of Security Council resolutions related to counter-terrorism. This involves thorough, expert analysis of national legal frameworks, institutional capacities, and operational practices. Furthermore, CTED actively identifies gaps in national counter-terrorism capabilities. It then facilitates crucial technical assistance, effectively connecting Member States with relevant resources, best practices, and specialized expertise from other international, regional, and subregional organizations. Ultimately, you’ll join a dedicated team at the forefront of international efforts to combat terrorism, playing a direct role in strengthening global security measures and promoting justice worldwide. CTED’s work is dynamic; moreover, it continuously evolves to address new threats and challenges in the global counter-terrorism landscape.

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Key Responsibilities for a Legal Intern at CTED

As a Legal Intern UN New York at CTED, you’ll engage in all aspects of the Directorate’s diverse and demanding work. Consequently, your responsibilities may include, but aren’t limited to, the following, offering a truly comprehensive experience in international law: This is indeed a demanding yet rewarding Legal Intern UN New York opportunity.

Legal Analysis and Research Expertise for a UN Legal Intern

• First, you’ll assist in meticulously analyzing and interpreting complex international, regional, and domestic legal instruments. This critical task involves scrutinizing UN Security Council resolutions, international conventions, bilateral agreements, and relevant national legislation, ensuring a deep understanding of their implications. Your analytical skills will be sharpened.

• Next, you’ll conduct comprehensive research to contribute directly to CTED’s influential analytical products. This includes identifying emerging trends and developments in terrorism, analyzing evolving counter-terrorism measures, and examining pertinent international law and human rights considerations. Therefore, your research will directly inform the Committee’s assessments and recommendations, making a real impact.

• Furthermore, you’ll research, draft, and meticulously update country profiles and other detailed background documents. These prepare for high-level meetings, expert group discussions, and various official events involving Member States and international partners. Ultimately, your work will provide essential, up-to-date context for diplomatic engagements and policy discussions. This particular task is a core component of being a successful Legal Intern UN New York.

 

Event Planning and Logistical Support for Legal Affairs

• Initially, you’ll assist in planning and organizing crucial meetings, high-level briefings, expert roundtables, specialized seminars, and other significant CTED events. This involves detailed logistical coordination, preparing comprehensive agendas, and compiling essential event materials. Consequently, your organizational skills will be vital.

• In addition, you’ll prepare detailed background notes and concise talking points for meetings, sensitive missions, and other official events attended by CTED staff, including the Executive Director. As a result, your contributions will ensure effective communication and informed participation at the highest levels.

• Moreover, you’ll attend and diligently take notes at various formal and informal meetings, international conferences, and other relevant events. You’ll also assist in preparing comprehensive summaries and precise reports of discussions, capturing key decisions, action points, and Member State perspectives. This requires strong attention to detail.

Document Preparation and Ad-hoc Activities for a Legal Intern

• You’ll also assist with preparing engaging infographics and compelling visual aids for CTED documents and presentations. This ensures complex legal and analytical information is accessible, impactful, and effectively communicated to a broad audience. Hence, your creativity will be an asset.

• Finally, you’ll assist in other ad-hoc activities as instructed, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a strong willingness to support diverse operational needs within a fast-paced environment. This could involve anything from database management to supporting specific project teams.

An interest in counter-terrorism issues or international criminal law is highly desirable for this Legal Intern role, as it directly aligns with the core mandate of CTED. Prior exposure to international organizations or human rights law would also be beneficial; indeed, it could provide a strong foundation.

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Qualifications and Special Skills for a UN Legal Intern

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship program, applicants must meet specific requirements. At the time of submission, you must be:

• Enrolled in a graduate school program (i.e., Master’s degree or equivalent degree, or higher); OR

• Enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (i.e., Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree). This should preferably be in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a closely related field. Strong academic performance is highly valued.

• OR, you must have graduated with a university degree as defined above. If selected, you must also commence the internship within a one-year period from your graduation date. This ensures recent academic engagement.

Beyond academic qualifications, the following skills are highly advantageous for a successful Legal Intern:

• Excellent research and analytical skills, particularly in legal contexts.

• Strong drafting abilities for reports, summaries, and legal analyses.

• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multicultural team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential for daily tasks.

• Experience with legal databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw) or UN documentation systems is a plus.

• A demonstrated interest in international affairs, security, or human rights is also crucial.

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Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is unequivocally required for this position, as it is the primary working language of the Secretariat and CTED. However, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is highly desirable, as it significantly enhances communication across the diverse international environment. This can be particularly useful when dealing with Member States from different linguistic backgrounds.

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Important Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Requirements for Your UN Internship

For internships undertaken in the United States, individuals who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or on another non-immigrant status (such as an F1 or J1 visa) must obtain a G4 visa. The selected intern holds primary responsibility for securing a valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT) to undertake the internship. Therefore, successful candidates should proactively discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN and relevant national authorities well in advance before formally accepting the internship offer. Please note that visa processing times can vary significantly, so early planning is advisable.

Financial Remuneration Policy for UN Internships

Please note: The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. This is a fundamental policy for all UN internships. Consequently, interns or their sponsoring institutions are solely responsible for all costs and arrangements related to travel to New York (if in-person), visas, accommodation in a city with a high cost of living, and daily living expenses for the entire duration of the internship. This is a crucial point for all applicants to consider and plan for. No daily subsistence allowance (DSA) or other financial support is provided by the UN. Thus, securing independent funding is a prerequisite for this opportunity.

Apply now: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1752737345165

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Legal Intern Role

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Q1: What is the primary focus of the Legal Intern position at CTED? A1: This Legal Intern position primarily involves assisting in the analysis of international legal instruments, conducting in-depth research on counter-terrorism trends and legal aspects, and supporting CTED’s high-level meetings and analytical product development. Ultimately, you contribute directly to the UN’s global security mandate.

Q2: Is this a paid internship? A2: No, this is an unpaid internship. Interns must cover all their own costs related to travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. This policy applies universally to all UN internships.

Q3: What is the expected duration of this internship, and when does it start? A3: The internship is expected to last between 3 to 6 months, providing a substantial period for learning and contribution. The desired start date is September 2025.

Q4: Where will the Legal Intern be working? A4: This Legal Intern position is based in person at the United Nations HQ in New York, United States. Interns will work within a dynamic and multicultural international environment, gaining firsthand experience of UN operations.

Q5: What are the minimum academic qualifications for this internship? A5: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor’s program (preferably in law, political science, or international relations), or have graduated within one year of the internship start date. These are strict eligibility requirements.

Q6: What kind of work environment can an intern expect at CTED? A6: Interns at CTED work in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and highly professional environment. You’ll be part of a diverse team and engage with sensitive, high-profile international issues. It’s an excellent learning ground for those interested in international law and security.

Q7: Will I have opportunities to network during my internship? A7: Yes, as an intern at UN Headquarters, you will have various opportunities to attend briefings, lectures, and events. You can also connect with professionals from different UN entities and Member States, which is invaluable for career development.

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