Internship on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism and Peace and Security

Background

The IPU is the global organization of parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 179 national Member Parliaments and 13 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments become stronger, younger, gender-balanced and more diverse. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world. Twice a year, the IPU convenes over 1,500 parliamentary delegates and partners in a world assembly, bringing a parliamentary dimension to global governance, including the work of the United Nations and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The IPU offers paid internships for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.  Interns will be provided with the opportunity to contribute to the activities, research, and analysis of the Programme on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, as well as in the Programme of Peace and Security in the Middle East, while under the supervision of the respective Programmes Managers.

Job description

The intern will be primarily responsible for providing assistance to the IPU team in charge of counter-terrorism and violent extremism and peace and security, including to its day-to-day functioning.

This concerns communication, logistical and secretarial tasks as well as research and project support. This multitude of responsibilities will require the intern to be highly organized and independent with the ability to communicate effectively.

Relevant tasks include:

• Programme assistance: Providing project-related logistical and administrative support;

• Research assistance: Conducting detailed background research related to counter-terrorism and violent extremism as well as peace and security;
• Administration: Providing secretarial and logistical support to the core team;
• Communication: drafting of correspondence in English and French; editing reports and other publications or documents;
• Editing: Assisting in the editing of reports, publications and other documents;
• Events organisation: Assisting in the organisation of events and meetings, including through sending out invitations, registration of participants and arranging travel and accommodation;
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications and experience

• Advanced university degree in international relations
• Native command of English and French, additional knowledge of Arabic or Spanish would be an asset;
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English and French;
• Proven organizational skills; ability to manage and prioritize various tasks;
• Proven experience in research;
• Editing experience;
• Computer skills, including a good command of the Microsoft Office;
• Ability to work autonomously on given tasks and projects;

• Proven organizational skills; ability to manage and prioritize various tasks;

Location

Although the position will be based at IPU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the intern can begin his/her work remotely, with the requirement of physical presence in the office depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is preferred that the intern be based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Length of internship

The internship will start as soon as possible for a period of 6 months.

Remuneration

A monthly allowance of up to CHF 1500, pro rata the number of hours worked, will be paid towards living expenses.