INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
New York Office, Winter 2012
Independent Diplomat is seeking three interns to work in its New York office from early January 2012.
Applications close on 23 October 2011.
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 currently has offices in New York, London, Brussels and Juba.
ID internships provide an excellent opportunity to be closely involved in a fast‐paced international team working at the cutting edge of international affairs and diplomacy.
Internship Details
ID’s Winter 2012 internships begin in New York in early January 2012 for a mutually agreed duration of four to six months. ID prefers that its interns are available to work full-time during regular office hours.
ID operates as a dynamic team. Interns are expected to contribute across the broad spectrum of ID’s client work and geographical areas of focus. Interns’ work typically involves background research, media monitoring, preparation of official visits and assistance with drafting of meeting reports, policy recommendations and diplomatic communications. Interns should also be prepared to assist with the smooth functioning of the ID office, including thorough contributions to general office administration and event organization.
Internships are voluntary and unpaid, but home‐to‐office travel expenses will be reimbursed. Independent Diplomat is not in a position to provide immigration support or visa sponsorship.
Qualifications
Required skills and experience
The successful candidates will be well organized, professional, and able to quickly digest and analyze 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 organizations. 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.
Focus areas
Given ID’s current operational priorities, successful candidates will likely 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.
Application Instructions
Please send a CV or résumé (maximum two pages), including the names and contact details of two potential referees, and separate covering letter (maximum one page) pasted into the body of the email to info@independentdiplomat.org. Please include your name as well as the words ‘New York Climate Internship – Winter 2012,’ ‘New York Legal Internship – Winter 2012,’ or ‘New York Africa Internship – Winter 2012,’ in the email subject line, as applicable. Applications close on 23 October 2011.
The covering letter should:
· Explain the reasons for your interest in an internship position with ID;
· Demonstrate your suitability for the role, including skills in one or more of the above ‘areas of focus’;
· 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 reference 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.
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