Legal Affairs Internship – UN Office, Vienna

About the role

The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs is offering a full‑time, unpaid internship in its International Trade Law Division (ITLD) in Vienna. The placement lasts 2‑6 months and provides practical training in international trade law while supporting the Division’s legislative and non‑legislative work.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with research and preparation of comparative legal studies.
• Support drafting of legal texts such as draft conventions and model laws.
• Conduct background studies and ad‑hoc legal or administrative tasks.
• Identify legislative reform needs and assist with technical assistance projects.
• Collect and analyse case law related to UNCITRAL texts.
• Help maintain the UNCITRAL website and coordinate division activities.
• Contribute to the UNCITRAL Law Library functions.

Required profile

• Enrolled in or recently completed a graduate programme, or in the final year of a first‑degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level).
• Strong interest in international trade law and legal research.
• Computer literate with proficiency in standard office software.

Required skills

• Word processing software.
• Spreadsheet software.

What we offer

• Hands‑on experience in a UN legal environment.
• Exposure to the work of UNCITRAL, the core UN body for international trade law.
• Mentorship from professional staff in both legislative and non‑legislative sections.