Open Position

Research Assistant – Brussels, Geneva or Remote based (6 months)

We are seeking a highly motivated intern to join our team as a research analyst. As a research assistant, you will have a crucial role in conducting in-depth research on different topics for our organizations. This internship is a great opportunity for someone who has strong analytical skills, great attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities :

• Conduct comprehensive background research on potential future members, using different platforms.
• Analyze and evaluate the credibility and relevance of the information gathered to determine the suitability of the future candidate membership.
• Communicate directly and effectively with the possible future members, to understand better if their mission aligns with the UNPO principles.
• Summarize and produce reports with clear and concise findings, and highlight the main key points.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of the research findings and ensure confidentiality and data security.

Requirements:

• Current student or Recent graduate in relevant field (ex: Business, Social Science, Law, International relations..)
• Sensitivity for human rights and in particular, minority and indigenous rights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, French and other languages are preferred, but not a necessity
• Strong proficiency in utilizing various research tools and techniques
• Detailed-oriented and able to multitask
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present research findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy while working with a great amount of information.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills

What we offer:

• 6 months unpaid internship
• Learn from experienced professionals in the field
• Learn from unrepresented peoples and nations worldwide
• Get engaged for the rights of unrepresented people worldwide and contribute to the advancement of their rights
• Build your resume and portfolio with real-world experience

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample (in English) to : [email protected]. Please include "Internship" in the subject line of the email.

We typically receive very high volumes of applications for internships. As a result, we are unfortunately not able to give feedback to individual applicants except for those who have been interviewed for a placement.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Internships with UNPO will be available from January 2024. 

Internships with the UNPO

Internships with the UNPO typically last between three and six months. Interns should either be current students who receive academic credit for the internship towards graduation, or current students or recent graduates who have outside funding for the internship (e.g. EU Erasmus funding, fellowship funding from US law schools or programmes, rotary scholars, etc.).

We are interested in candidates from a variety of academic disciplines, seeking only that interns show a true commitment to unrepresented and marginalized communities. We are open to designing an internship programme that fits well with whatever academic discipline the intern comes from.

Typically one intern will work with our Legal & Policy Team, the other with our Advocacy & Projects Team. 

The UNPO's Legal & Policy team helps set the direction of the UNPO. The team engages in a variety of functions in this regarding including conducting research and writing reports, policy papers and speeches in support of members of our advocacy team as they press for policy changes before key national and international actors, investigating human rights violations and drafting complaints or submissions to international fora, organzing meetings of the UNPO members or partners to better understand broad systemic issues impacting our member peoples, and helping develop our policy-driven communications in response to emerging developments.

The UNPO's Advocacy & Projects team directly furthers the causes of UNPO member peoples through advocacy, capacity building and other activities aimed at empowering civil society groups from unrepresented communities to reach an international audience. This work includes direct advocacy activities before, for example, the United Nations and its human rights mechanims, as well as supporting civil society groups in their efforts, and delivering capacity building through the UNPO's Unrepresented Diplomats programme. The team delivers across a variety of donor-funded projects, meaning that its work also includes significant project management. 

Interns are engaged in all aspects of the work of the assigned team, supporting team members in carrying out their projects. In addition, at the beginning of the internship, one longer-term project will be developed with the intern, usually a dedicated research report, an advocacy initiative or a conference, that the intern will be tasked with through the term of the internship. 

Whlie the majority of internships take place in our Brussels Headquarters, we are open to remote working arrangements. Interns may work closely with staff located in the Brussels office or our team members located in North America or in Geneva.

To apply for an internship please send a cover letter, c.v., and writing sample (in English) to [email protected]. Please include "Internship" in the subject line of the email.

We typically receive very high volumes of applications for internships. As a result, we are unfortunately not able to give feedback to individual applicants except for those who have been interviewed for a placement.