Two Legal Internships with the Office of the Executive Director (OED), New York Headquarters, and Copenhagen, Denmark, 6 months
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children globally.
Job Purpose
The Legal Team at UNICEF provides strategic legal solutions to support the organization's global business units. We offer risk-informed, timely, responsive, and pragmatic legal advice, empowering clients and building their capacity. We proactively anticipate trends and challenges, develop systemic solutions, and identify and mitigate legal, reputational, and other risks. The Legal Team is seeking two highly motivated legal interns for its New York and Copenhagen offices to gain practical experience in the legal function of a large international organization. This internship is designed to provide law students or recent law graduates with hands-on exposure to the legal work within UNICEF, allowing them to develop essential legal research, drafting, and analytical skills.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a Legal Affairs Specialist, the intern will assist with a variety of assignments crucial to the Legal Team's operations. This includes conducting in-depth legal research on matters pertinent to UNICEF's mandate, programs, operations, partnerships, and institutional framework. The intern will also assist in the preparation of essential legal documents such as memoranda, briefing notes, presentations, and correspondence. A key part of the role involves reviewing and analyzing legal, policy, and background materials to support decision-making processes. Furthermore, the intern will support knowledge-management and documentation initiatives within the Legal Team, and assist in preparing background materials for meetings and discussions. Attending meetings and preparing concise summaries or notes will also be part of the responsibilities. The intern will support other projects and activities of the Legal Team as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of legal support provided to the organization.
Work Experience
No professional legal experience is required. Relevant academic, research, volunteer, or internship experience in international law, public law, commercial law, or related fields is desirable.
Skills
Strong legal research and analytical skills, Strong written communication and drafting skills, Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment, Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Constructive and client-oriented approach to problem resolution