Internship Opportunities in Geneva, Switzerland

Interns at the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations and international organisations in Geneva have the opportunity to bring New Zealand’s foreign policy to life in one of the global hubs of multilateral activity and decision making.

Internships are intended to give participants exposure and experience in the operations of the Mission and international organisations. They offer an opportunity for interns to shine and demonstrate their professional value at an early career stage. 

The expectation is that interns will support the Mission’s staff in advancing New Zealand’s interests at the United Nations and International Organisations in Geneva. Interns are required to assist with the wide ranging work New Zealand engages in and will not be focused on a specific area or topic.

Common tasks interns are required to perform include attending and reporting on various meetings and events, undertaking research, assisting with high-level visits, preparing social media posts, and providing administrative and event support.

To succeed in the internship, interns should be capable of quickly developing a sound understanding of New Zealand’s foreign policy positions.  It is essential that interns have strong communication skills, excellent judgement, and a positive and enthusiastic attitude.

These internships are for a fixed term period, expected to be from February to June 2020

Eligibility

We prioritise giving internship opportunities to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Graduate students are particularly encouraged to apply.

The New Zealand Mission’s work touches on a broad number of international issues. This diversity of thought is reflected in our people. We encourage applications from a wide-range of backgrounds. 

Qualifications, skills, and knowledge

Desired qualifications, skills and experience:

•             Excellent written and oral communication skills.

•             Flexibility and willingness to undertake a wide range of tasks, including administrative tasks.

•             Possess a strong delivery focus – sets high standards including accuracy and attention to detail.

•             Ability to work within guidelines.

•             Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships and to work within a team.

•             Ability to anticipate issues and problems, and think of effective solutions.

•             Displays personal integrity, and an honest and ethical approach.

•             Ideally, applicant’s background and/or field of study should be relevant to the work of the New Zealand Mission and United Nations.

Common backgrounds include Politics, International Relations, International Law, Economics, Human Rights, International Development, Sustainable Development, Health Science, Indigenous studies, Gender studies, Communications, Security Studies, and Disarmament.

Funding

Internships are unpaid and interns are fully responsible for their own costs (including accommodation, insurance and travel expenses).  However, a stipend will be available to offset part of the cost of undertaking the internship.

Prospective interns should be aware of the high cost of living in Geneva. Current students may be able to offset the costs by applying for internship grants and/or academic credits from their academic institution or find local sponsorship opportunities.

Additional Requirements

Interns are required to carry comprehensive travel insurance with adequate cover for medical expenses and personal liability for the duration of their assignments.

Interns are required to sign a standard undertaking covering non-government personnel participating in government delegations.

Visa Requirements

The New Zealand Mission will apply for a carte de legitimation H (for interns) for New Zealand citizens. New Zealand residents requiring a visa for Switzerland would need to secure a visa ahead of arrival, in cooperation with the New Zealand Mission.

Application

Applications should include:

•             a short covering letter setting out the applicant’s interest in, and suitability for, an internship,

•             a CV, and

•             the contact details of two referees.

These documents must be combined into one attachment. Candidates who make the interview stage will be required to provide proof of their university study (e.g. copy of transcript, degree or enrolment). 

Applicants should clearly indicate the date from when they will be available to commence the internship. Prospective interns already in Switzerland should advise their current visa status.

Current Opportunities

We are currently recruiting two interns for internships of up to five months commencing in February 2020.

Applications must be received by 5.00pm, Monday 2 December 2019 (Geneva Time). Send your application by email to mission.nz@bluewin.ch , using the subject line “GVA Intern Application”. Your documents should be combined into one attachment only.

Feedback

Due to the high volume of applications, we will not be able to provide feedback on applications that are not shortlisted.