The UN is recruiting a Political Affairs Intern. If you are aiming for a profession related to international politics, human rights, or women’s rights, then a UN internship in Political Affairs with the Office on Sexual Violence in Conflict would be the perfect opportunity for you. The position which is either based in New York or done remotely covers a wide range of activities such as political analysis, report writing, organizing meetings, and research on UN sanctions and conflict dynamics providing the intern with a lot of hands-on experience. Applications are open to current graduate students or recent graduates in the relevant fields who are willing to learn, give their input, and be a part of our mission.
If you have a strong command of English, are ardent about justice, and are willing to use your academic knowledge in a practical environment, then feel free to submit your application.
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Position Title: Political Affairs Intern
Job Opening ID: 270094
Job Network: –
Job Family: Political Affairs
Category and Level: Internship, I-1
Duty Station: New York or Remote
Department/Office: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Date Posted: January 9, 2026
Application Deadline: January 29, 2026
Internship Opportunity – Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (O-SRSG-SVC) needs a political affairs intern who is devoted and excited about working on issues connected with the mandate of the O-SRSG-SVC. This internship is an amazing opportunity to be involved with the UN’s work of dealing with CRSV as a major issue of security and peace. Interns will be mentored by experienced professionals and will be able to get a first-hand view of the various aspects of advocacy, research, policy analysis, and international diplomacy in the fields of human rights, gender and sexual violence, and conflict resolution.
The O-SRSG-SVC came into being after the passing of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1888 in 2009. The Office helps the Special Representative in being the UN’s main interlocutor on CRSV, and thus, the representative’s main focus is on accountability, prevention, and survivors’ rights and treatment globally.
The option is open for the intern to work in-person at New York or remotely, so candidates from anywhere can be flexible. The starting date is planned to be in February 2026 and the period can vary from three to six months according to the organization’s needs and the intern’s availability.
Duties and Responsibilities
Interns are going to be guided by a Programme team member and will get both substantive and administrative responsibilities that are in line with the Office’s mandate. Daily duties will depend on the intern’s education, skills, and the current priorities of the Office, and can be:
- Research and Analysis: Perform desk reviews and analytical research on CRSV thematic priorities, including UN sanctions regimes and their application to sexual violence in conflict, the research theme.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Keep an eye on the situation in the countries of interest and help to prepare the inputs for Secretary-General reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
- Meeting Support: Help with the preparations for Security Council, General Assembly, and inter-agency meetings, including taking notes and drafting readouts.
- Data Management: Prepare, sort, and enter data related to sanctions and other CRSV issues into spreadsheets and databases, and assist in the data visualization activities.
- Event Coordination: Help with the logistics of conferences, side events, and international days’ observances that are related to the theme.
- Administrative Tasks: Offer general logistical and administrative support to the Office in order to keep it running smoothly.
- Other Duties: Perform the additional tasks that the supervisor assigns in connection with the broader aims of the Office.
Qualifications and Special Skills
Education:
- It is necessary for applicants to be currently studying in, or have just finished a graduate program (Master’s degree or equivalent) OR to be in the last stage of an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- The applicants should hold degrees in areas connected to International Relations, Political Science, Law, Gender Studies, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a closely related field.
Competencies and Skills:
- An intense attraction towards the United Nations activities and dedication to the teachings of the UN Charter.
- A clear proof of working efficiently in varied cultures and professions.
- Superb skills in research, analysis, and writing.
- Having a very good command of general software programs (Microsoft Office Suite).
- Having experience in or studying of gender violence, human rights, conflict, or sanctions has a great advantage.
- Competence of working both solo and as a team in a fast-moving place.
Languages
- Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
Logistical and Administrative Information
- This internship is not paid, thus all intern or the sponsoring institution’s expenses for travel, visas, accommodation, and living will be covered by the intern or the institution.
- The internship is open for a full-time or part-time arrangement (20–35 hours a week), although full-time is preferred.
- The working hours and the mode of working (remote or in-person) will be decided together with the supervisor, taking into account the operational needs and the difference in time zones.
- Visa Requirements: Interns outside of the U.S. with a G-4 visa will be required to obtain one for United States locations. The selected candidates are accountable for the process of obtaining the relevant work authorization.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the selection process may commence before the posting deadline. Applications must include:
- A completed online application via the UN Careers Portal.
- A brief cover letter specifying:
- Motivation for applying
- Preferred start and end dates
- Preferred location (New York or remote)
- Availability (full-time or part-time)
Special Notice
- The United Nations does not impose any charges during the entire recruiting process.
- Only those candidates who are short-listed will be kept in touch.
- Trainees are considered to be outside the staff and have no right to the benefits and protections that are granted to the official personnel.
Join us in supporting a world free from conflict-related sexual violence. Apply by January 29, 2026.
