UN WATCH VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is UN Watch?
UN Watch is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Geneva, Switzerland whose mission is to monitor the performance of the United Nations according to the yardstick of its Charter and to protect human rights for all. UN Watch believes in strengthening the role of democracies within the UN and in the Charter’s guarantee of equal treatment for all nations large and small. UN Watch is at the forefront in the struggle against anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias at the UN. For more information, please visit unwatch.org.
Does UN Watch offer paid internships?
No, unfortunately, UN Watch cannot fund interns. The only internships we offer are on a volunteer basis, meaning they are unpaid and carry no remunerative benefits. Interns must find their own funding for travel, health insurance, daily living, lodging and all other costs. Geneva is an expensive city.
When are UN Watch internships available, and for how long do they last?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You should normally apply at least six months in advance, by filling out the application form provided at the bottom, indicating your desired dates. You can request an internships lasting between 2 to 6 months.
What are an intern’s activities and responsibilities?
The activities and responsibilities of an intern typically include a broad range of substantive and administrative research functions, and may depend on the skill set and background of the applicant. Substantive responsibilities can include research and writing of reports, drafting correspondence, monitoring and reporting on meetings at the UN, attending and reporting on meetings with diplomats and UN officials, fact-checking and taking notes. Interns also participate in all administrative responsibilities, which regularly include website maintenance, answering telephones, making photocopies and filing, events support and other office tasks.
What are the requirements to be accepted?
To qualify, applicants must have:
- at least one year of university studies;
- a strong interest in international relations or human rights;
- excellent English writing ability, preferably demonstrated by publications;
- a demonstrable commitment to the UN Watch mission;
- interest in combating anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias;
- ability to work in a small, team-oriented environment operating under strict deadlines, flexibility, patience, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.
Does UN Watch have offices outside Geneva?
The only office in which internships are offered is in Geneva, opposite the European headquarters of the United Nations.
How do I apply?
Successful applicants in the past were those who took the time to thoroughly familiarize themselves with our different causes and activities. Visit us at unwatch.org. To apply, complete and submit the Volunteer Intern application form.
