Intern - Political Affairs (political monitoring and analysis on Western Africa)

Organizational Context

The Western Africa Division (WAD) within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at UN Headquarters in New York monitors and reports on political and security developments across West Africa and the Sahel. The Division also analyzes trends, particularly concerning the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), and recommends actions to address regional challenges.

Job Purpose

This internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in political affairs within the UN Secretariat. The intern will support the Western Africa Division by monitoring and analyzing political and security developments in the region, contributing to daily news feeds, weekly reports, and research on key issues like climate security. The role involves assisting in the preparation of briefing materials for senior officials, participating in meetings, and maintaining databases, thereby directly contributing to the Division's mandate of informing UN decision-making and action in West Africa and the Sahel.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze key political and security developments in West Africa and the Sahel. Provide a daily news feed on the region based on situation reports, press clippings, and media. Summarize public and academic articles, and correspondences, with a focus on climate security and ECOWAS initiatives. Prepare weekly reports on developments within the Division's purview. Track progress on the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) implementation and establish an information repository. Assist in preparing briefing materials for senior UN officials. Participate in meetings and draft minutes. Conduct individual research assignments as requested.

Work Experience

No professional work experience is required for this internship. However, experience in drafting analytical papers, meeting minutes, and reports is required. Applicants should be students in the final year of a university degree program or have completed a degree at the Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. level.

Skills

Political and security analysis, Monitoring and reporting, Research, Drafting analytical papers, Meeting minute preparation, Database management, Communication (English and French fluency required).

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