Political Affairs Internship at UN Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Great Lakes Region

Make a real impact on peace and security in Africa's Great Lakes region. As an intern for the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy, you'll conduct research, prepare documents, and attend high-level meetings. Fluency in English and French is a must. This unpaid internship offers invaluable experience in international relations. Ready to contribute to a more stable future? Apply now!

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In February 2013, 11 nations signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region, in a renewed drive to end the recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impacts stability and development in the Great Lakes area of Africa. On 31 January 2014, two more countries, Kenya and Sudan, became signatories of the PSC Framework. The framework aims to help "address the root causes of conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence" in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region. In its Resolution 2098 (2013), the Security Council welcomed the signing of the PSC Framework. It called on the Special Envoy, in coordination with the Special Representative for the DRC to "lead, coordinate and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the PSC Framework, including through the establishment of benchmarks and appropriate follow-up measures". The Security Council further encouraged the Special Envoy to "lead a comprehensive political process that includes all relevant stakeholders to address the underlying root causes of the conflict".

This position is in the Office of the Special Envoy of The Secretary-General for the Great Lakes in Nairobi. Nairobi is classified as a "B" hardship duty station and a family duty station. The incumbent reports directly to a Political Affairs Officer - OSESG-GL Nairobi. The duration of this Job Opening will be three (3) months, with the possibility of a three (3) month extension.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of the assigned supervisor. This internship will be discharged in person.

Expected duration
3-6 months, from 1 May 2026 onwards

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of a Political Affairs Officer within the OSESG-GL Political Affairs Unit (PAU), the responsibilities of the intern may include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare documents, for review, including correspondence, talking points and background notes;
• Conduct research in areas of interest to the Political Affairs Unit, based on public sources;
• Attend and prepare summary notes of meetings, conferences, and seminars;
• Provide logistical and other assistance in organizing conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops; and,
• Perform other duties, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in international relations, political sciences, economics, development, public administration, or other related fields;

In addition, the candidate must:

1. Be computer literate in standard software applications;
2. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
3. Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position fluency in English (oral and written) and French is required.

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.

Apply for this vacancy

Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026

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