Legal Internship in Copenhagen

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position: Legal Intern (unpaid) Europe and Middle East Regional Office (EMO) Copenhagen, Denmark Minimum six months, application deadline 21 February 2011

Duties and Responsibilities 
UNOPS is a self-financing entity of the United Nations system, with more than a decade of experience in providing operational management services in developing nations and post-conflict/emergency situations. Headquartered in Copenhagen, with regional offices in New York, Johannesburg, Bangkok, and Panama, UNOPS presently operates in over 60 countries providing to UN agencies and developing countries complex project implementations of client operations, loan administration and supervision, and advisory services for operations management. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark and with sub-offices presently in Switzerland, Pristina, Jerusalem, Iraq (based in Amman) and Afghanistan, the Middle East, Europe and CIS Office (EMO) is responsible for the management of UNOPS activities in the region. UNOPS provides project management and procurement services to a range of partners including UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments, and non-governmental organizations, helping meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster and creating sustainable development. EMO is seeking talented individuals looking to gain practical legal experience as a starting point in their careers, or those willing to share the experience they have gained working in the United Nations, business, government or the international community. The Legal Intern will work in the EMO Regional Office, based in Copenhagen, under the direct supervision of the EMO Legal Specialist. Specific intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Reviewing and drafting contracts and agreements both with vendors and clients; Reviewing documents in engagement acceptance with a view to managing risks; Assisting in handling disputes and claims; Maintaining regional legal databases and registries; Providing legal advice and supporting on staff / personnel issues, including investigations; Maintaining records of decisions made and actions taken; Assisting with the preparation and follow-up of the Regional Contracts and Property Committee (LCPC) meetings as appropriate; and Conducting research under the guidance of the Regional Director.

Required Selection Criteria Competencies 
In addition to UN/UNOPS core values/competencies, demonstrate good theoretical knowledge of international law, in particular lex mercatoria and the application of legal principles, concepts and policies to the review, examination and processing of a range of legal issues and documents; sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential material; Knowledge of UN regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practices desirable; knowledge of internationally recognized financial/procurement regulations, rules and policies, procedures and practices is an asset; Proficiency in legal drafting and ability to draft concisely and under time pressure; good interpersonal and communication (spoken and written) skills; Keen sense of ethics and integrity in dealing with clients and service providers and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and clients; and Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Required Selection Criteria Education/Experience/Language 
Completion of, or ongoing studies in, law. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Submission of Applications Qualified candidates may submit their application including a letter of interest and complete Curriculum Vitae in English and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11), in English,. Available from our website, via e-mail to BenedettaA@unops.org Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email. 


Additional Considerations 
The successful incumbent will be offered an internship agreement For more information on UNOPS internship please visit: http://www.unops.org/UNOPS/Employment/Internships Interns at UNOPS do not receive any remuneration. As such, interns are responsible for all costs associated with the internship, including but not limited to costs for insurance coverage, travel and accommodation. Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel and securing any necessary visas. Flexible working schedules may be arranged. The selected candidate will be responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.