Internships at the Independent Diplomat

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

New York Office, Fall 2011

Independent Diplomat seeks three interns to start work in its New York office in early September 2011.

Applications close on 15 July 2011.

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 organizations and political groups. Independent Diplomat has offices in New York, London, Washington D.C., Brussels and Juba.

Internship Details

The internships will begin in New York in early September 2011 for a mutually agreed duration of four to six months. ID prefers that its interns be available full-time during regular office hours.

ID internships provide an excellent opportunity to be closely involved in a fast‐growing international team 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.

ID maintains a flexible system; all interns must be willing to undertake a wide range of tasks across the many issues and geographic areas that ID covers, as well as general administrative tasks such as faxing and meeting/event organization.

Given ID’s current operational priorities, successful candidates should possess one or more of the following skill sets:

1. Background and experience on climate change, including:

• A bachelor’s degree, with strong preference for a master’s degree (completed or in progress) in a related field;
• 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 Africa including:

• A bachelor’s degree, with strong preference for a master’s degree (completed or in progress) in a related field;
• Knowledge of peace and security issues in Africa, specifically Sudan, the Horn of Africa (Somalia) and/or the Maghreb;
• Familiarity with the United Nations, in particular the structure and functions of the UN Security Council, and the African Union;
• Field experience in these regions would be a distinct advantage.

3. Background and experience in international law, including:

• A law degree, either in common or civil law. Experience in both systems of law would be valued;
• Professional legal experience strongly preferred;
• 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 advance 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.

Required skills and experience

The successful candidates will be well organized, professional, and able to quickly digest and analyze a large amount of complex information from a variety of sources. They 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.

Previous office experience (either paid work or 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, specifically Spanish and French, would be an advantage. Experience with website design/editing, HTML, graphic design or video editing would be valued.

Please send a CV or résumé (maximum two pages) and separate covering letter (maximum one page) pasted into the body of the email to info@independentdiplomat.org . Please include the words ‘New York Climate Internship – Fall 2011,’ ‘New York Legal Internship – Fall 2011,’ or ‘New York Africa Internship – Fall 2011,’ in the email subject line, as applicable. Applications close on 15 July 2011.

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) and your work status.

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 the large 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.