Students and young professionals from all over the world, with degrees in international relations, political science, international law, development and political/social geography and a range of work experience have undertaken internships at UNPO. Interns and volunteers are offered a unique experience, with a wide range of responsibilities in a multicultural environment that uses English as the main working language. Each intern is given the opportunity to develop and implement their academic, organizational, political, administrative, language and research skills.

Interns are expected to have a mature and flexible attitude, display good time management skills, be able to undertake work independently and conduct accurate research. The intern should enjoy working in an internationally oriented office where a multitude of tasks will be assigned. The internship requires a high degree of responsibility and autonomy from the intern, but in turn promises an equally rewarding experience. 

Interns will work remotely and should be based in the United States, ideally in Washington, DC. Work will be assigned by UNPO’s US Program Coordinator. Interns must have reliable internet access and will work online for at least 30 hours per week. DC-based interns will have occasional access to UNPO-rented co-working facilities.

Job Title: Project Assistant

Contract: Volunteer (unpaid)

Duration: 10 weeks (minimum) – 6 months

Location: United States, preferably Washington, DC 

Deadline for applications: Ongoing/rolling basis, open to various schedules

Job Description:

Interns and volunteers are expected to undertake tasks that include the organization of conferences, seminars and other events, the monitoring of relevant events taking place in Washington, DC, and at the United Nations in New York (with possible attendance depending on the period of engagement), the conducting of research on UNPO Members; website management; advocacy and lobbying, project planning and implementation; the drafting of funding applications or small development projects.

Requirements:

Essential:

-      Genuine interest in and basic knowledge of minority rights, self-determination, indigenous issues and/or human rights;

-      Ability to work under limited supervision and take initiative under tight deadlines;

-      Ability to run short term, self-directed projects;

-      Excellent command of oral and written English;

-      Good knowledge of Microsoft Office;

-      Basic knowledge of social media.

Desirable:

-       Familiarity with the functioning of the European institutions, of the United Nations Human Rights Council and of other relevant bodies;

-       Basic knowledge of website management or IT;

-       Experience in fundraising;

-       Working knowledge of one or several of these languages: Arabic/French/ Spanish/Portuguese/Turkish/German

-       Being an English or French native speaker is an asset. 

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Please note that applications from representatives of UNPO Members are encouraged. The applicant needs to be allowed to live in the United States for the duration of their experience at UNPO (as a US citizen or through a valid visa). Unfortunately UNPO is not in the position to assist non-US citizens in their visa application.

If you are interested in undertaking an internship at UNPO please send an application that includes the following:

-       Cover Letter (1 page only) addressed to UNPO General Secretary Mr Marino Busdachin

-       Curriculum Vitae (2 pages only)

-       Writing Sample (essay/extract of maximum 1000 words in English, preferably relevant to the work of UNPO)

Please mark subject line: “Internship Application – Project Assistant UNPO USA: YOUR NAME” and indicate clearly in your letter the exact time period you would be available for an internship. Send your complete application to unpo.washington@unpo.org.

Please remember that interns and volunteers are expected to commit for a period of 10 weeks - 6 months. 

For further information, please contact [email protected]