Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern, Transnational Organized Crime

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) in Pretoria, South Africa, is seeking an intern to support its work on transnational organized crime. This internship offers a six-month, full-time, paid opportunity within the UN Secretariat, reporting to the Regional Project Coordinator.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to provide practical experience in crime prevention and criminal justice within the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa. The intern will contribute to research, reporting, and strategic communications related to transnational organized crime, including asset confiscation, international cooperation, and illicit financial flows. The role involves supporting project activities, event logistics, and information analysis, thereby assisting the office in its mandate to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the region. This position is designed to offer substantive learning opportunities in international policy and project implementation.

Responsibilities

The intern will assist in preparing various substantive materials, including reports, concept papers, policy documents, and articles. Responsibilities include developing strategic communications, presentations, and visualizations, as well as proofreading documents for style, grammar, and consistency. The role involves providing logistical support for both in-person and virtual events, including preparation and execution. Research on transnational organized crime issues such as asset confiscation, international cooperation, and illicit financial flows will be a key duty. The intern will also monitor and analyze project information, assist in the production and review of policies and papers, attend and take notes at conferences and meetings, service meetings, and help manage databases. Supporting the identification of key contacts and partnership opportunities is also expected.

Work Experience

While specific work experience is not explicitly detailed as a requirement, candidates are expected to have recently graduated with a university degree and must be able to start the internship within one year of graduation. A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its charter ideals are essential. Experience in drafting news articles, social media posts, or designing surveys is desirable.

Skills

Excellent written skills; Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and engagingly; Good knowledge of standard software applications (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams); Ability to draft news articles/social media posts (desirable); Ability to design surveys/polls (desirable); Keen interest in UN work; Commitment to UN Charter ideals; Ability to work in a multicultural environment; Strong team-working capacity; Ability to manage high workload and prioritize tasks independently.

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