Legal Affairs Internship
Organizational Context
The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is an entity within the UN Secretariat tasked with assisting in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes under International Law committed in Syria. This legal internship is situated within the Judicial Support and Cooperation Section (JSCS) in Geneva, supporting national, regional, and international courts.
Job Purpose
This legal internship within the Judicial Support and Cooperation Section (JSCS) of the IIIM aims to provide support to national, regional, and international courts and tribunals. The intern will contribute by conducting legal research, assisting in drafting and reviewing legal documents, and monitoring judicial and legislative developments relevant to the IIIM's mandate concerning international criminal law and Syria. The role is crucial for facilitating the IIIM's cooperation with judicial authorities and contributing to accountability for serious crimes committed in Syria. This is an unpaid, full-time position.
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive legal research on domestic and international criminal law, human rights, and public international law using various sources. Assist Legal Officers in drafting and reviewing legal documents, instruments, and other materials. Monitor judicial proceedings and legislative developments, particularly concerning international criminal law and Syria. Map legislative frameworks relevant to the JSCS's work. Support JSCS colleagues in their contributions to other IIIM sections. Note: Assignments will not involve direct work with evidentiary material from the IIIM's Central Repository.
Work Experience
Professional work experience is not required for this UN Internship Programme. However, a relevant academic background in law, international relations, human rights, or political affairs is necessary. Familiarity with criminal accountability in the Syrian context is considered desirable.
Skills
Legal research, drafting and review of legal documents, monitoring judicial and legislative developments, mapping legislative frameworks, MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Teams. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.