The Swiss Confederation is the national government and its institutional bodies. It is divided into the departments of the corresponding government executive member. The departments are:

1. the department of foreign affairs (EDA)
2. the department of the interior (EDI)
3. the department of justice (EJPD)
4. the department of defence, civil protection and sports (VBS)
5. the department of finance (EFD)
6. the department of economy, education and research (WBF)
7. the department of environment, traffic, energy and communication (UVEK)

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in NY is currently offering a full-time internship for a duration of 12 months, starting on 1 April 2023. The remuneration for this position is USD 3,400 per month (gross salary). 

As an intern, you will gather firsthand working experience at the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations during the membership on the Security Council. You will work closely with our diplomatic staff and gain invaluable insights into the workings and dynamics of the organization and member states at one of the largest Swiss representations abroad. You will be in regular exchange with UN diplomats, academia and civil society organizations and provide support to the Mission Staff on specific thematic files. 

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Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is flexible, resilient, can work under pressure, and is capable of interconnected thinking.

The candidate should possess the following general qualifications: 

• University degree, preferably in the field of international relations or development studies 
• Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and topics 
• Strong analytical skills 
• High trustworthiness and reliability 
• Strong interest and knowledge of current political and geopolitical affairs 
• High social competences, networking skills, enjoyment of intercultural exchanges 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Familiarity with the work of the UN is an advantage 

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The intern’s tasks will include: 

• Gathering information, drafting reports and supporting expert diplomats in negotiations on several thematic items on the Security Council’s agenda (in particular, but not limited to “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace”, “Children in Armed Conflict”, “Women Peace and Security”, “Conflict and Hunger” and “Climate and Security”) 
• Representing the Permanent Mission of Switzerland at formal and informal meetings of the UN, other Missions and NGOs 
• Contributing to the drafting of formal Swiss interventions or communication elements (including for social media) 
• Supporting the organization of events and meetings by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland 
• Performing administrative support tasks as required 
• More details on the requirements are available here. 

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Requirements 

In order to qualify for an internship, candidates must: 

• Be of Swiss nationality
• Possess excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
• Speak and write fluently French, German or Italian, with passive knowledge of at least one other official language
• Have graduated (bachelor or master) not more than one year before beginning of the internship.

Application process 

Please apply by e-mail only and send all documents in PDF format only. Please write "Peace and Security internship – [Name]" in the subject line of your email to ensure prompt processing of your application.

Pre-selected applicants will be contacted within approx. one week after the application deadline and receive confirmation approx. 2 weeks after the application deadline. The selection process includes a short set of tests. 

Applications (in English) must include: 

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of university diplomas or reports
• Copy of final grades and intermediate reports
• Letter(s) of recommendation 

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We will not engage in any correspondence during the selection process. Applications for internships should be sent to: newyork.uninterns@eda.admin.ch. 

Application deadline is: Sunday, 12 February 2023