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UNOV Home Job opportunities Internships at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 
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Internships at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Excerpts from questionnaires completed by interns at UNOV/UNODC

In the time available I gained an excellent insight into the work of the unit and of UNODC as a whole.

I already had a good view of the United Nations, I just had the opportunity to discover it more concretely.

(…) this internship provided me with not only knowledge and experience in finance, but also the prospect of my future career and valuable friendship, which I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Excerpt from the article published in Secretariat News January-February 2001 (United Nations Headquarters, New York), entitled "A UN EXPERIENCE. The Internship Programme".

(…) being an intern at the UN is seen as very prestigious. Judging by the number of applications, this is probably the most popular internship programme in the world!

UNOV and UNODC

In order for you to find an internship that suits your academic background as well as your personal interests please read through the following introduction. Here you will find a brief outline of the various areas in which the Vienna-based offices of the United Nations currently offer internships. However, you will also need to read the United Nations Internship Programme Guidelines for additional requirements.

*** Please note that applicants NEED to be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and also DURING the internship! You will be required to provide documentary evidence (i.e. confirmation letter of enrollment from current university) ( Application form) ***

The United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) functions as the representative office of the Secretary-General in Vienna. UNOV performs representation and liaison functions with permanent missions, governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in Vienna.

UNOV manages and implements the programme on the peaceful use of outer space and provides common services, such as conference management, public information, security & safety for the Vienna International Centre (VIC). See below for more information on these. UNOV is closely associated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through which additional common services are provided.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs, international crime and terrorism.  UNODC has its headquarters in Vienna, including a liaison office in New York. 

UNODC strives, together with the international community, to tackle the detrimental relationships found between illicit drug use, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, social and economical development, transnational organised crime, terrorism and political instability. The four pillars of the UNODC work programme are as following,

  • Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and also to expand the available evidence for policy and operational decisions.

  • Normative work to assist in the ratification and implementation of the international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies.

  • Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance countries' capacity to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.

  • Management support.

Below you will find a basic overview of requirements for internships. These areas of expertise fall under the major responsibilities of the Vienna-based offices. If you have any questions in regards to internships at the United Nations in Vienna please contact:

Division for Management
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

PO Box 500
1400 Vienna
Austria

Fax: +43 1 26060 5886
Email: internship@unvienna.org




The United Nations system

Organizational structure of UNOV

Organizational structure of UNODC

 

United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)

Division for Operations (DO)

Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA)

Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA)

Division for Management (DM)

 

United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)

Conference Management Service

The Conference Management Service (CMS) provides for the meetings and documentation needs of the United Nations bodies in Vienna. On the meetings side, this means planning a busy annual calendar, providing simultaneous interpretation in the six official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) and ensuring that delegations are supplied with documents. For documentation, it involves managing the production cycle of documents and publications, from submission, through editing, translation, desktop publishing and graphic design, to the final stages of printing and distribution. CMS also provides referencing and library services to the staff of all United Nations entities in Vienna.

As CMS provides a wide range of services, there are opportunities for interns to assist and gain experience in a number of areas.

Translation/Interpretation

Objective:

To provide a university student with work experience in the translation of United Nations documentation and/or in interpretation for meetings through dummy booth practice.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in the translation of documents covering the diverse subject areas dealt with by the United Nations bodies in Vienna (space affairs, trade law, industrial development, crime and drug control, and others). Translations are revised by senior staff, who provide constructive feedback and information on United Nations style and translating techniques.
  • Assist in drafting of summary records of meetings, where relevant meetings coincide with the internship.
  • Assist with terminology assignments by contributing to glossaries and databases.
  • Gain experience in interpretation through dummy booth practice.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in a relevant field, normally modern languages.
  • Perfect command of mother tongue (one of the six official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish)), excellent passive command of two or more other official United Nations languages, one of which will be English for non-English mother-tongue applicants.
  • Familiarity with word-processing applications such as Word, and other computer applications relating to terminology search; ability to do rapid and effective Internet research.

Electronic publishing

Objective:

To provide work experience in the field of graphic design and electronic publishing in the environment of an international organization.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist with the graphic design, page layout and photograph selection for cover designs and brochures. As far as possible, the photographs will be from current design production projects. The intern's work will be used after due assessment by the graphic artist or chief of the unit.
  • Assist in publishing production workflow and desktop publishing (DTP) production.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in fine art or graphic/typographic design.
  • Excellent colour sense, good design skills, knowledge of DTP production software and good computer literacy.
  • Good knowledge of English and good communication skills are essential; a broad general knowledge is an asset.

Linguistic and Library Support Unit

The Unit provides referencing and terminology services to CMS and other United Nations entities in Vienna. It also provides library support for all United Nations units in Vienna, handling all requests for books, journals, articles, and inter-library loans, maintaining the catalogue and providing training.

Terminology and referencing

Internship Activities:

  • Assist Unit staff by providing analytical, logistical administrative support to facilitate the work of the unit.
  • Undertake research on specific projects, e.g., in the systematic review of terminology in particular languages or subject areas.
  • Participate in the development and evaluation of client surveys.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in a relevant field and/or languages.
  • Good command of spoken and written English and strong written and comprehension skills in at least two other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).
  • Familiarity with word-processing applications such as Word and other computer applications such as Excel and PowerPoint, according to the type of internship; ability to do rapid and effective Internet research.

Library

Internship Activities:

  • Assist Unit staff by providing analytical, logistical administrative support to facilitate the work of the Unit .
  • Undertake library reference or archival research on specific projects.
  • Participate in the development of training materials (e.g. presentations and scripts).
  • Participate in the development and evaluation of client surveys.
  • Assist in the cataloguing of items for the UN-Vienna library catalogue.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in library sciences or librarianship, experience in teaching and training an advantage.

Security and Safety Section

The Security and Safety Section (UNSSS) is a common service provided at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). Given the extra-territorial status of the VIC complex, the UNSSS protects persons and property as Austrian authorities are not authorized to operate within the VIC perimeter. UNSSS provides security and fire prevention services to identify possible threats to persons and property, and assesses the level of protection needed. Access to VIC is limited to persons holding valid passes issued by the Section. Security operations concentrate on identifying possible safety, security and fire hazards.

Internship Activities:

No interns are currently being accepted by the Security and Safety Section

General Support Section

General Support Section's (GSS) main functions are: Procurement of goods and services; Buildings Management liaison; Corridor Photocopying Services Team; inventory control; mail, courier and diplomatic pouch services; office space allocation.  GSS works closely with and in coordination with the UNIDO Buildings Management Services for repairs, moves and alterations and with inventory and asset management staff; registry functions; travel and transportation; Visitors' Centre.

Internship Activities:

No interns are currently being accepted by the General Support Section

Office for Outer Space Affairs

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The Office serves as the secretariat for the General Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space: the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). The Committee has two subcommittees: the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee.

OOSA implements the United Nations Programme on Space Applications (PSA). The Programme aims at improving the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all nations, in particular developing countries. Under the Programme, the Office conducts training courses, workshops, seminars and other activities on applications and capacity building in subjects such as remote sensing, communications, satellite meteorology, search and rescue, basic space science, satellite navigation, and space law.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist with the preparations and follow-up actions relating to the work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.
  • Assist staff members with organizing and carrying out the activities of the Programme on Space Applications, by providing support to the organization of workshops and seminars on space technology, including tasks such as: research of background material and identifying relevant institutions and experts; preparation of background studies and technical notes; preparation of reports; and updating of web pages.
  • Assist with the Office's programme of technical assistance in basic space science.
  • Carry out research and analysis in the field of space law.
  • Assist with the Office's technical assistance and capacity building activities in space law, including tasks such as updating the Office's space law web page, helping to develop elements of a model educational curriculum in space law, and assisting in preparations for workshops on space law.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law, political science, international relations, physics, engineering or other fields relevant to space technology and space law.
  • Good research and drafting skills; ability to use Internet and word processing programmes.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.

United Nations Information Service

The United Nations Information Service (UNIS) is responsible for the public information work of the United Nations offices based in Vienna, and it disseminates materials produced by the Department of Public Information on all topics of the United Nations work programme. It also functions as the United Nations Information Centre for Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. UNIS works closely with representatives of governments, NGOs, academia and media, which are the main clients of the news and media.

Internship Activities:

  • Will be consistent with the level of expertise, interests and especially language capabilities of the individual intern, but may include the following:
  • Media monitoring and daily compilation of press reviews.
  • Draft press releases and other information in English.
  • Assist in organising press briefings and workshops as well as special public relations events.
  • Attend to daily media requests.
  • Draft power point presentations on topical United Nations issues.
  • Translation of press releases and other texts into German, Hungarian, Slovakian or Slovenian.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in mass communication, journalism, public relations, political science or international relations.
  • Excellent spoken and written English. Additional languages relevant to UNIS are German, Hungarian, Slovakian and Slovenian.
  • Computer skills (e.g. MS Office).

Office of Internal Oversight Services

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is an independent office that assists the Secretary-General in fulfilling his internal oversight responsibilities. OIOS adds value by providing worldwide audit, investigation, inspection, programme monitoring, evaluation and consulting services to the United Nations Secretariat and a wide range of United Nations funds, programmes and tribunals. OIOS sees itself as an agent of change, committed to helping client departments and offices bring about responsible administration of resources and a culture of accountability, transparency, results-orientation and risk awareness.

Internship Activities:

  • Analyse investigation data - for pattern detection.
  • Assist Investigators in basic preliminary research.
  • Assist in reviews of reports of investigation - factual basis
  • Assist in legal research including United Nations administrative instructions and information circulation and penal law/procedures.
  • Create Directory of data bases for investigation research.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law.
  • Good analytical skills.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.

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Division for Operations (DO)

Anti-Human Trafficking Unit

Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) is responsible for providing advice, guidance, information and technical assistance in relation to trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of migrants, with the aim of assisting the competent authorities to these criminal activities.  It collaborates closely with UNODC Field Offices and relevant units at Headquarters in the development and implementation of the Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in developing and planning technical cooperation programmes for preventing trafficking of human beings.
  • Undertake research and data collection.
  • Compile documents and information.
  • Analyze reports and prepare executive summaries and briefings.
  • Assist in liaising with offices within the United Nations and other external organizations, especially non-governmental organizations.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in criminology, law, political or social sciences, international relations or related field.
  • Good drafting skills.
  • Basic computer skills (Word, Excel).

HIV/AIDS Unit

The global mission of the HIV/AIDS Unit (HAU) as an advocate for worldwide action against HIV/AIDS is to lead, strengthen and support an expanded response to the epidemic. This response aims to prevent the spread of HIV; provide care and support for those infected and affected by the disease; reduce the vulnerability of individuals and communities to HIV/AIDS and alleviate the socioeconomic and human impact of the epidemic. Globally, 30% of HIV transmission occurs due to intravenous drug use (IDU) with infected needles, it is therefore necessary to target high-risk drug users in preventative programmes. As HIV is more prevalent among prisoners than in the general population, this problem presents both a prison health crisis and a public health challenge. Many inmates in the prison setting are either diagnosed with HIV or first receive medical care for HIV while incarcerated. In the prison settings, HAU assists in implementing international instruments, norms and standards, which ensure that all inmates receive health care for HIV/AIDS. Finally, HAU helps governments to combat people trafficking, mapping the connection between trafficking and HIV/AIDS and provides guidance to reduce trafficked victims' health consequences.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in constructing an annotated bibliography on HIV/AIDS as it relates to human trafficking.
  • An economic analysis of the success of Global Fund Proposals, Grants, and Disbursements.
  • Research and analysis of best practice interventions.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in economics, law, social and biological sciences or related areas.
  • Excellent knowledge of English, including good drafting skills.
  • Good computer skills.

Anti-Money Laundering Unit

The Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AMLU) is the lead international body in a rapidly evolving and highly technical field. By working to combat money laundering, the United Nations makes a crucial contribution to the fight against organized crime. The Global Programme against Money Laundering (GPML) is the key instrument of the UNODC in this task. Through GPML, the United Nations helps Member States to introduce legislation against money laundering and to develop and maintain the mechanisms that combat this crime. The programme encourages anti-money laundering policy development, monitors and analyses the problems and responses, raises public awareness about money laundering, and acts as a coordinator of joint anti-money laundering initiatives by the United Nations with other international organizations.

Internship Activities:

  • Contribute to the Anti-Money Laundering International Database (AMLID) by analysing and categorising the anti-money laundering legislation of United Nations member states.
  • Assist the AMLU team in deskwork and research by undertaking primary data gathering, writing, fact checking, editing and proof reading.
  • Ensure the efficient and accurate collection and organisation of data through such tasks as establishing and maintaining files using accepted organisational methods.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law, finance, economics or international relations.
  • Excellent spoken and written English. Spanish, French and/or other languages an asset.

Criminal Justice Reform Unit

The Criminal Justice Reform Unit (CJRU) assists countries in building capacity to administer law and reduce crime, in line with United Nations Standards and Norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, and with proven and promising best practices. Activities and projects focus on juvenile justice reform, prison reform and victim support schemes. The Unit also promotes alternatives to imprisonment, restorative justice schemes, community and neighbourhood justice models.

Internship Activities:

  • Research on best practices in the area of criminal justice reform.
  • Research on technical cooperation activities undertaken in the area of criminal justice reform at the international and bilateral level.
  • Research on the criminal justice system in countries where UNODC is envisaging to start with technical assistance activities.
  • Assist with the drafting of assessment tools and manuals on juvenile justice and penal reform.
  • Assist with the organization and preparation of Expert Group Meetings, as required.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law with a focus on criminal law, international relations or political science.
  • Excellent knowledge of English, including good drafting skills.
  • Good working knowledge of French and/or Spanish an asset.

Partnership in Development Branch

The Partnership in Development Branch (PDB) coordinates technical cooperation activities world-wide through a network of 21 field offices, assisting Governments in the development and implementation of national, sub-regional, regional and global programmes aimed at countering illicit drugs and international crime.

The intern will be given an insight of programme and project management. S/he will assist in the ongoing review, monitoring and analysis of social, economic and political developments and trends in the assigned drug and crime and/or terrorism related areas at the national and regional levels.

Activities:

  • Participate in programme/project development at Section level.

  • Assist in achieving the United Nations General Assembly Special Session ( UNGASS) target goals and Millenium targets

  • Research and analyze quantitative and qualitative information of specific and topical drug and crime related issues and trends in the regions as well as in international and civil organizations reliable sources, in the context of preparing inputs for reports, projects and programme matters.

  • Assess and evaluate reports from the technical cooperation projects for specific purposes.

  • Participate in promoting partnership.

  • Assist in drafting correspondence and other documents.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in international economic relations, international relations, political science, international law, social sciences or equivalent.

  • Good drafting skills and excellent spoken English; other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.

  • Good computer skills:  Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Access and word processing programmes. Ability to work with Internet. 

UNODC field offices

To apply for an internship at any of UNODC's field offices, please inquire directly to the office of interest.  For the locations of the 21 field offices please see "Regional Websites" at the top right corner of the UNODC homepage.


Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA)

Terrorism Prevention Branch

The Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB) has an important role to play in the prevention and combating of terrorism. The primary objective of the TPB's technical assistance activities is to strengthen the legal regime against terrorism. It does so by providing legal advice to States on becoming parties to, and implementing, the universal anti-terrorism legal instruments, by assisting States in incorporating their provisions into national penal codes, by providing training to criminal justice officials on new anti-terrorism legislation and by providing assistance to strengthen national institutions dealing with terrorism.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist the Branch in improving its counter terrorist measures in the legal field.
  • Contribute to the Legislative database by analyzing and coding national counter-terrorism legislation.
  • Assist in background research and writing, which covers legislative and capacity building aspects in the context of the universal anti-terrorism instruments.
  • Research background material from various internal and external sources.
  • Assist in administrative and organisational matters.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law, preferably with an interest in criminal or international law.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge of French and Spanish and/or another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) an advantage.
  • Studies or knowledge of terrorism and related matters desirable.

Additional information on terrorism prevention:

Terrorism Prevention Branch Brochure

Secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent and judicial control organ responsible for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions and the drug control situation worldwide, including legislation and harm reduction programmes. Therefore, an intern will gain working knowledge of the international drug control conventions, their application in real life and the illicit drug situation worldwide.

Internship Activities:

  • Graduate student in relevant field.
  • Summarise and input information, including media reports, information provided by Governments and intern-governmental organisations, other sectors of UNODC and NGOs. Many of these reports will be in French and Spanish.
  • Assist in conducting research into country situations, including legislation, policy approaches and jurisprudence in the drug control field.
  • Compile brief summaries/reports on the basis of the above mentioned research.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in relevant degree.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, working knowledge of French or any other official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).
  • Experience in conducting research

Crime Conventions Section

The Crime Conventions Section (CCS) provides substantive servicing and prepares parliamentary documentation for policymaking organs on issues related to crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCS provides Member States with tools for the ratification and implementation of the United Nations crime conventions, in particular the Transnational Organized Crime Convention and the Convention Against Corruption

Internship Activities:

  • Carry out legal research and analysis with regards to national measures adopted to implement the United Nations Transnational Organized Crime Convention and Convention Against Corruption.
  • Assist in work relating to preparing technical reports and studies, undertake research and draft inputs on specified topics/areas.
  • Assist in the collection and analysis of data and information; prepare inputs for research and policy papers.
  • Carry out ad hoc assignments of a legal nature.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law or social sciences.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Familiarity with computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Internet research.

Legal Advisory Section

The Legal Advisory Section (LAS) provides substantive technical assistance and strategic advice to (i) inter-governmental bodies (e.g. the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice), and - upon request - to (ii) Member States.  LAS promotes adoption and implementation of the United Nations drugs and crime control conventions. This includes legislative drafting assistance, strengthening criminal justice infrastructure, training, and improving international casework cooperation results in the investigation, prosecution and confiscation of the proceeds of serious crime. LAS Legal Advisors are stationed at UNODC headquarters in Vienna, as well as in the field offices in Bogotá (Colombia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Bangkok (Thailand). Qualified applicants are invited to apply for an internship at any of these offices.

Internship Activities:

  • Conduct legal research for projects, legislative databases and presentations.
  • Research for background documentation for expert group meetings.
  • Assist in drafting of legislation and preparation of other technical assistance.
  • Assist with analysis of questionnaires for the Conferences of Parties.
  • Assist with analysis of questionnaires on United Nations Standards and Norms publications.
  • Other related tasks.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law, with an interest in criminal and international law.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset. For field positions in Colombia and Tashkent, proficiency in Spanish or Russian is required.

Commissions Secretariat Section

The Commissions Secretariat Section (CSS) provides secretariat and substantive services to intergovernmental bodies, in particular the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).

Internship Activities:

  • Compile information on the work accomplished by intergovernmental bodies, including the General Assembly (GA), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the CND and its subsidiary bodies, as well as the CCPCJ and the United Nations Crime Congresses on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
  • Collect background information relevant for the servicing of intergovernmental meetings from various internal and external sources.
  • Assist in updating/reformatting the websites of the Section, the CND and the CCPCJ.
  • Assist with preparations for the sessions of the CND and the CCPCJ.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in law, political sciences or public relations/media.
  • Excellent spoken and written English; Working knowledge of any other official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Familiarity with computer applications, including Excel and Power Point and the use of the Internet; Knowledge of web-design an asset.

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Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA)

Laboratory and Scientific Section

The Laboratory and Scientific Section (LSS) is UNODC's focal point for providing scientific advice and support for national, regional, international and UNODC activities, including technical assistance around the world. Scientific support is provided for a number of different purposes, from developing capacity and enhancing performance of national laboratories, developing standards and laboratory working procedures to ensuring that scientific findings are followed up and used effectively for operational purposes (in support of the criminal justice system, regulatory and health authorities, and law enforcement activities), and for trend analysis and policy development.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist the LSS team by providing support in laboratory and other scientific support activities, including the systematic compilation and analysis of information and technical data in areas of interest to UNODC and the Section.
  • Assist in the identification, development and dissemination of analytical methods for the analysis of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and relevant precursors, and of guidelines in areas of scientific support.
  • Perform related research and development work, including the evaluation/validation of recommended methods published in the United Nations manuals, and further development and quality control of the United Nations drug and precursor field test kits.
  • Assist in the preparation of United Nations field test kits, and sets of reference substances.
  • Carry out ad hoc assignments of scientific support nature as required, such as the further development of the Section's reference collection, and training aids for laboratory analysts and counterparts at national level who make use of the scientific data provided by drug testing laboratories.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in chemistry (organic or analytical), pharmacy or related science.
  • Excellent spoken and written English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French desirable. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese and Russian) an asset.
  • Practical laboratory experience in the analysis (qualitative and quantitative) of organic compounds in solid preparations and/or biological specimens. Good knowledge and practical experience of computerized database systems. Experience in statistics and/or botany/agronomy an advantage.
  • Familiarity with computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Research and Analysis Section

Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme

The Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme (ICMP) promotes development and maintenance of a global network of illicit crop monitoring systems in the context of the UNGASS crop elimination objective. The programme provides overall coordination and direct technical support and supervision to UNODC supported annual illicit crop surveys at country level. It validates survey results and participates in preparation of survey reports. The programme is continuously improving the methodology in order to gain accuracy, to reduce costs and to improve the efficiency of the surveys.

Statistics

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in the design and development of methodologies for illicit crop surveys.
  • Assist the ICMP group providing support in survey and data analysis activities.
  • Participate in the analysis, verification, cross-checking and validation of survey data and to the establishment of annual statistical estimates.
  • Contribute to the design and development of the Drug Price Monitoring Database for countries in Latin America.
  • Carry out ad hoc assignments of statistical design nature as requested.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in statistics, mathematics or computer science.
  • Excellent spoken and written English.
  • Knowledge of Spanish an asset.
  • Familiarity with MSOffice applications.

Remote Sensing

Internship Activities:

  • Perform spatial analysis of illicit crop cultivation with Geographic Information Systems and/or remote sensing techniques.
  • Assist in collection, preparation and standardization of geographic data.
  • Assist in the classifications of satellite images.
  • Assist in improving methodologies and to the document these.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in environmental studies and/or study that involves geographic information.
  • Theoretical knowledge on geographic data.
  • Good computer skills (databases) and some practical experience with Geographic Information Systems.

Statistics and Trends Analysis Group

The Statistics and Trends Analysis Group (STA) is aimed at analysing drugs and crime data and information to establish UNODC country/regional/world estimates/statistics on the status and evolution of the global drugs and crime problems.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in research activities related to specific RAS projects or in the preparation of studies/reports.
  • Assist in the analysis of drugs/crime trends time series by using internal and external databases.
  • Assist in the preparation of bibliographies, summaries, tables and charts as assigned.

Qualifications required:

For all activities

  • Graduate student in social or political sciences, economics or equivalent.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Solid computer background (Internet, MS Office)

For specific activities

  • Statistical knowledge and experience with tools like SPSS, Excel, Access, etc.

Data Processing and Information Management Group

The Data Processing and Information Management Group (DPIM) collects, verifies, manages and analyses data and estimates related to the world drugs and crime problems.

Internship Activities:

  • Contribute to the maintenance of the RAS data warehouse and operational databases by extending the covered data sets, application development, verifying and checking data, and through documentation processes.
  • Assist the DPIM team in deskwork and research by undertaking primary data gathering, writing, fact checking, editing and proof reading.
  • Assist in multidimensional data analysis and data mining.
  • Assist in web based application development for the purpose of statistical and spatial data dissemination.
  • Assist in the development/expansion of geographical information systems and map production.
  • Assist in report production (design and DTP related activities).

Qualifications required:

For all activities

  • Graduate student in computer science, social sciences or equivalent.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Solid computer background.

For specific activities

  • Experience with MS Access development or other data base systems.
  • Application development, ETL, and programming experience (VBA, Java, JavaScript, Eclipse, XML, SQL, MDX, etc.)
  • Familiarity with Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence and OLAP; knowledge of COGNOS products and MS Analysis Services an asset.
  • Statistical knowledge and experience with tools like SPSS, Excel, R, etc.;
  • Practical knowledge of GIS software, e.g. ESRI ARCGIS or Leica ERDAS Imagine.
  • DTP and design skills and practical knowledge of design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Techwriting skills.

Research and Publications Management Group

The Research and Publications Management Group (RPMG) is responsible for managing UNODC's research initiatives and outputs: (i) developing and managing UNODC's new research initiatives, proposals and agenda items, (ii) substantive development of UNODC's research programme and agenda, (iii) managing on going items on the organisation's research agenda including - studies, publications, briefings, budgets and workplans, (iv) analytical contribution to UNODC's Research outputs.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in management of activities related to specific RAS outputs, with an emphasis on coordination of publications.
  • Assist in budgeting exercises related to specific project segments and outputs.
  • Assist in the preparation of material for publication including: analysis, draft text, bibliographies and quantitative analysis as assigned.

Qualifications required:

For all activities

  • Graduate student in social sciences.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Solid computer background.

For specific activities

  • Statistical knowledge and experience with tools like SPSS, Excel, Access, etc.

Independent Evaluation Unit

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) provides substantive guidance and support to UNODC to prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate coherent, results-oriented projects and programmes in conformity with the mandates. IEU promotes the use of evaluation findings and results to improve the performance, outcomes and impact of project and programmes developed by UNODC.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist IEU staff by providing analytical, logistical administrative support to facilitate the evaluations conducted by IEU.
  • Undertake research on projects, programmes and other activities, and prepare briefing papers and background materials.
  • Participate in the development of evaluation tools and instruments.
  • Participate in the development and maintenance of a tracking system for the implementation of evaluation recommendations.
  • Identify and collate information on potential consultants for inclusion in the roster.
  • Assist in the preparation of the IEU Annual Evaluation Report.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in social sciences, political science, economics, law or the equivalent.
  • Ability to analyse complex problems, communicate ideas with others effectively (orally and in writing), and work in a small team environment.
  • Basic computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Fluency in English with good drafting and oral communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish, French, Russian or other official United Nations languages (Arabic and Chinese) is an asset.
  • Quantitative or qualitative data analysis and research; programme evaluation; and analytical report writing experience.

Strategic Planning Unit

The Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) facilitates the articulation of strategic vision and priorities in view of major international crime and drug threats for development and human rights. It oversees programming activities in UNODC, including the Strategic Framework, the regional/country Strategic Programme Frameworks and the organizational work plans. Further, it formulates strategic and time bound objectives as well as indicators thereof, aligning strategies, priorities and programme/project plans.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist SPU staff by providing analytical and administrative support to facilitate the formulation of strategic documents, both on the regional and corporate level.
  • Undertake research projects and prepare briefing papers, as well as background papers.
  • Participate in the development of tools and procedures to accomplish the above mentioned tasks.
  • Participate in the preparation and implementation of training seminars, in particular as regards results-based management.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in social sciences, political science, international relations, business administration, economics, law or equivalent.
  • Ability to analyse complex issues and systemically retrieve and process information.
  • Fluency in English with excellent drafting and communicative skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for the United Nations mandate.

Advocacy Section

The Advocacy Section (AS) plans and implements public awareness campaigns on drug and crime issues and communicates the UNODC mission to decision- and opinion makers in order to mobilize support and to build partnership.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist the AS in the planning and implementation of awareness raising campaigns and to develop an understanding of communications-related issues.
  • Contact radio and television stations in conjunction with UNODC's public service announcements (PSAs).
  • Assist web-site manager in identifying content for UNODC's public website redesign.
  • Assist in the preparation/distribution of public information materials.
  • Research on NGOs with a view to update the database.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in communication/media, journalism, international relations or related field.
  • Excellent English and fluency in another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) and/or German an asset.
  • Good writing skills in English and a passion for the work of the United Nations.

Co-Financing and Partnership Section

Co-financing and Partnership Section (CPS) is responsible for resource mobilization for UNODC projects and for contact with the donor community.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist the Section by performing a variety of administrative and donor-research related tasks.
  • Research and profile major private sector foundations from the perspective of UNODC resource mobilization.
  • Research and analyse EC regional and national aid strategies relevant for UNODC resource mobilization through Field Offices.
  • Support ad hoc policy analysis/research needs of CPS.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in a relevant field.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.

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Division for Management (DM)

Financial Resources Management Service

The Financial Resources Management Service (FRMS) ensures effective and efficient financial management of United Nations programmes located at Vienna and provides financial services to all its clients.

The internship within FRMS offers an opportunity to get a first understanding of the financial activities of the United Nations.

Internship Activities:

  • Assist in preparing financial transactions.
  • Assist in the administration of the programme budget.
  • Assist in preparing financial statements and management reports.
  • Assist in providing treasury services.
  • Compiling, analysing and presenting data.
  • Assist in the financial management of projects.
  • Assist in drafting reports on financial issues.
  • Ad-hoc projects related to general financial management.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in business administration, finance, economics or related area.
  • Good analytical skills.
  • Good spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Good computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Prior work experience in a public or private entity an asset.

Human Resource Management Service

The Human Resources Management Service (HRMS), working in partnership with Programme Managers, aims to attract and retain highest quality staff whose skills are in line with the operational priorities of the UNODC and UNOV. Moreover, HRMS is responsible for helping staff members to develop their potential and career and, at the same time, contribute to the success and development of the United Nations.

Internship Activities:

  • Career development and succession planning work.
  • Recruitment and head-hunting related work.
  • Assist in the organisation of training programmes.
  • Staff development activities.
  • Simplification of work processes.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in human sciences, experience in teaching and training an advantage.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Good computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Information Technology Service

The main function of the Information Technology Service (ITS) is the provision of comprehensive information and communications technology services to United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Internship Activities:

  • Computer-related support including installation and maintenance of servers and desktop hardware and software; computer equipment standards; equipment and technical support for conferences and meetings.
  • Support to the enterprise resource planning applications of UNOV and UNODC.
  • Assist the different substantive work units in UNODC to implement uniform data-collection, processing, analysis and publishing systems.
  • Design, development and management and application development services of systems pertaining to substantive activities like legal libraries, anti money laundering legislation database, law enforcement training database, substance abuse questionnaires, outer space objects and more.

Qualifications required:

  • Graduate student in a relevant field.
  • Excellent spoken and written English, other official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) an asset.
  • Good computer skills.

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last updated: 10 January 2007

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