Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Independent Diplomat Political and Legal Internships in New York City

Independent Diplomat seeks three interns (two political, one legal) to start work in its New York office in January 2011.

Applications close at 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Wednesday 8 December 2010.

About Independent Diplomat

Independent Diplomat (ID) is a unique non-profit venture in the world of international relations, diplomacy and conflict prevention. Staffed by former diplomats, international lawyers and other experts in international relations, ID offers independent and confidential advice and assistance on diplomatic technique and strategy to governments, international institutions, non-governmental organisations and political groups. Independent Diplomat has offices in New York, London, Washington, Brussels and Juba.

Internship Details

The internships will begin in early January 2011 for a mutually agreed duration of four to six months. ID prefers that its interns be available to work a minimum of 4 days a week during regular office hours.

ID internships provide an excellent opportunity to be closely involved in a fast-growing international organisation working at the cutting edge of international affairs and diplomacy. Internships are voluntary and unpaid, but home-to-office travel expenses will be reimbursed. Independent Diplomat cannot provide immigration support or visa sponsorship.

Required skills and experience

The successful candidate will be organised, professional, and able to quickly digest and analyse a large amount of information from a variety of sources. He or she will have strong knowledge of and demonstrated interest in international affairs and diplomatic relations, especially the United Nations and other international institutions. Above all, candidates should exhibit an enthusiasm for international diplomacy, conflict prevention and dispute resolution, as well as the mission of Independent Diplomat more broadly.

Successful candidates for the political internship will at least hold a Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline (a Masters degree – either completed or in process – is strongly preferred); a JD or equivalent degree is required for the legal internship. Candidates must be flexible and willing to undertake a wide range of tasks across the full range of issues and geographic areas, as well as general administrative tasks such as faxing and meeting/event organization. Previous office experience (either paid work or other internships) is essential, as is the willingness and flexibility to fit in with a small and busy team. Fluency in English, excellent writing skills and strong IT and internet research skills are essential. Fluency in other official UN languages would be an advantage.

Given ID’s current operational priorities, the following attributes would be an advantage:

1. Background and experience on climate change, including:
• Understanding of the international policy framework on climate change, in particular negotiations under the UNFCCC;
• Familiarity with the workings of the UN, particularly in the field of sustainable development;
• Understanding of major policy priorities for countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change;
• Background in international legal and/or economic studies.

2. Background and experience on Sudan
• Knowledge of peace and security issues related to Sudan and the Horn of Africa;
• Familiarity with the United Nations, in particular the structure and functions of the UN Security Council.

3. Legal
• A law degree;
• An academic background in public international law, so as to assist in the development of the legal dimension of the diplomatic advice ID provides to its clients, and to enhance ID’s clients’ positions under international law;
• General legal skills so as to assist with ID’s institutional obligations, including in co-operation with ID’s network of pro bono lawyers.



Application Instructions
Please send a CV or résumé (maximum two pages) and separate covering letter (maximum one page) to info@independentdiplomat.org . Please include the words ‘New York Climate Internship – Winter/Spring 2011’ ‘New York Legal Internship – Winter/Spring 2011,’ or ‘New York Sudan Internship –Winter/Spring 2011,’ in the email subject line, as applicable. Applications close at 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Wednesday 8 December.

The covering letter should:
• explain the reasons for your interest in an internship position with ID;
• demonstrate your suitability for the role;
• indicate your preferred length of internship (no less than 4 months).

The CV or résumé should include the names and contact details of two referees, ideally an academic referee and a current or recent employer.

Due to a large expected number of applicants, we regret that we are unable to confirm receipt of applications, provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates, or pay travel expenses for interviews conducted in person in New York.

For further information about Independent Diplomat, please visit our website at: www.independentdiplomat.org.

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