Legal Intern - Administrative Law Team

UNDP • New York, NY

36d

About The Position

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. The Office of Legal Services in the Bureau for Management Services (BMS/OLS) serves as in-house counsel in UNDP. The Office provide advice and assistance on a range of legal matters relating to the UNDP’s operations. OLS consists of three operational Teams: Corporate and Institutional Team (C&I), Programmes and Projects Team (P&P) and Administrative Law Team (AL). A Legal Intern is sought for the Administrative Law Team (AL). AL is responsible for advising senior management in Headquarters, Country Offices and of affiliated funds and programmes on legal issues related to the administration of staff members and UN volunteers. AL’s functions include reviewing and advising on the formulation of policies and procedures; acting in the review of investigations and recommending action in cases of allegations of misconduct, as well as appeals against administrative decisions. In addition, AL is responsible for handling litigation in cases within the internal UN court system.

Requirements

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: a) enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in law or a related subject; b) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related subject; c) enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in law or a related subject, and undertake the internship as part of this program; d) have recently graduated with a university degree (a master’s or bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working in a legal context and carrying out legal research is an asset.
• Knowledge of the organization of the UN system, and specifically UNDP, is an asset.
• Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth research on various legal topics, including based on the Staff Regulations and Rules; and jurisprudence of United Nations Administrative Tribunals;
• Analyze investigation reports, identifying factual or legal issues in a disciplinary process;
• Provide legal analysis concerning cases, disputes and inquiries;
• Draft various legal documents, including formal correspondence, administrative decisions and tribunal submissions;
• Assist with the analysis of privileges and immunities;
• Contribute to the process of review of legal issues arising in policies and procedures;
• Provide other support to the office that may be required.

Benefits

• UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will (subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party) pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institution.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees