Political Affairs Intern

Work Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

Expected duration

2-6 months Desired start date :- September 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

UNRCPD is part of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Regional Centre assists countries in Asia and the Pacific in achieving their peace, security and disarmament goals through the provision of substantive support, the coordination of activities at the subregional, regional and international levels, and the sharing of information on global and regional disarmament initiatives.

In accordance with its mandate, UNRCPD supports countries of the region, upon request, in implementing international agreements aimed at preventing and combating the illicit flows of conventional arms, promoting dialogue and confidence-building on global and regional issues related to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, addressing peace and security challenges through the engagement of women and youth, and advancing peace and disarmament education. To support these efforts, the Regional Centre organizes seminars, workshops and training activities.

The intern will provide support in one or more of UNRCPD's key programmatic areas:

1. Weapons of Mass Destruction
2. Conventional Arms and Ammunition
3. Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education
4. Cross-cutting Issues – Gender, Youth and Emerging Technologies Security Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background, the office to which they are assigned and the duration of the internship. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in drafting and preparing official documents.
• Conducting document, legal and internet research.
• Assisting in the preparation and servicing of conferences, workshops and meetings.
• Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of web content and other communication materials. This internship is unpaid and is intended to be full-time and in person at the Kathmandu duty station. Subject to operational requirements and at the discretion of the hiring manager, part-time, remote or hybrid internship arrangements may be approved. The intern will work under the supervision of a designated professional staff member and will adhere to the established working schedule of five days per week (35 hours).

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

a) be enrolled in, or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or b) be enrolled in, or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).

APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME.

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:

• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying or what have you studied)
• Graduation date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme and working for UNRCPD In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills and contact details of three references. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. *The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a professional staff member in the Centre to whom they are assigned. The incumbent reports to the Director of UNRCPD.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.