Org. Setting and Reporting
The Chambers Legal Support Section (“Chambers”) of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (“Mechanism”) invites applications for several legal internships commencing from November 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania. Candidates will be selected on a rolling basis. The duration of the internship generally ranges from three months to six months. Please indicate your preferred internship period in your cover letter.

The Mechanism is mandated to perform a number of essential functions previously carried out by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (“ICTR”) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (“ICTY”). In carrying out these essential functions the Mechanism maintains the legacies of these two pioneering ad hoc international criminal courts and strives to reflect best practices in the field of international criminal justice. Chambers provides administrative and legal support to the Judges of the Mechanism in the execution of their judicial work.
Responsibilities
In Chambers, interns have the opportunity to support the judicial work of the Mechanism’s Judges. Chambers interns may engage in legal research in international criminal law and procedure, provide support on legal and factual issues at all stages of proceedings, including first instance matters, appeals, and review, and assist in the preparation of judicial documents. Interns may also perform routine tasks such as compiling and collating materials, and other duties as required.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
• Professionalism: Knowledge, experience and/or training in international criminal law, international humanitarian law, human rights law, and/or public international law or a related field. Possesses excellent legal research and analytical skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. Is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Candidates are required to either be: (i) law students who are enrolled in a graduate programme or in the final academic year of their first university degree; or (ii) law graduates. Applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Previous legal experience is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the Mechanism. Fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment
No assessment is required for this position. Short-listed candidates may be contacted by the hiring team directly if further information is needed during the review of their application.
Special Notice
Please note internships are unpaid. IRMCT interns are responsible for all internship-related expenses that they incur. Interns must therefore be able to cover their costs of travel, insurance, accommodation, as well as living expenses during the internship period. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon award of an internship, interns are responsible for securing adequate insurance coverage and are required to sign and return a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of these conditions of service.

Interns must keep confidential any and all unpublished information obtained during the course of the internship and not publish any reports or papers based on such information except with the explicit written authorization of the Chief of Human Resources of the IRMCT. Interns are bound by the same duties and obligations as staff members, and the information to which an intern has access in the course of the internship must not be divulged to external parties. Each prospective intern must sign the Acceptance and Undertaking Form to indicate their understanding and acceptance of this stipulation.

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

There should be no expectation of employment by the United Nations or the IRMCT upon completion of the internship.

ALL of the documents listed below are required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Due to the number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Interested applicants must attach ALL of the following documents to each UN Careers portal application submitted via https://www.careers.un.org.

1. A cover letter, including an available start and end date for the internship;
2. Two letters of recommendation preferably from academic or professional referees;
3. Copies of university/law studies transcripts, or enrolment (including courses taken and grades received);
4. A writing sample preferably in a field relevant to the work of the Mechanism and not longer than ten pages.