The International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers internships to individuals in the early stages of their careers who are seeking practical experience in the field of international law. The internship programme provides an opportunity for interns to apply their knowledge and skills while working on specific tasks under the guidance and supervision of officials from the ICJ Registry.
Availability and placements: The ICJ has a limited number of internship positions available throughout the year. Internship placements can be offered in various departments and divisions of the ICJ Registry, depending on the organisation's needs and requirements. This allows interns to gain exposure to different areas of the ICJ's work and operations.
Working languages: The ICJ operates in English and French, and interns should have proficiency in at least one of these languages. The working language during the internship will depend on the specific tasks assigned.
Unremunerated internship: ICJ internships are unpaid, which means interns are not financially compensated for their work. Interns are responsible for covering their own expenses, including travel, accommodation, and obtaining valid medical/accident insurance coverage.
Immigration and logistics: Interns are responsible for meeting immigration requirements, such as obtaining the necessary visa or permits, to legally work in the country where the ICJ is located. They are also responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation during the internship period.
Confidentiality: Interns are required to sign a statement undertaking to maintain strict confidentiality regarding any information they come across during the course of their internship. This ensures the protection of sensitive and confidential information related to the work of the ICJ.
Evaluation and certificate: Upon completion of the internship, interns receive a certificate summarising the tasks they have performed and providing an evaluation of their work. This certificate serves as a formal recognition of their participation and the skills they have developed during the internship.
Future employment: It is important to note that completing an internship at the ICJ does not increase the likelihood of future employment at the Court or within the United Nations system. The internship is primarily designed to provide practical experience and contribute to interns' professional development in the field of international law.
Application process: Internship vacancies at the ICJ are announced when available on the ICJ website and the ICJ eRecruitment System. Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the designated platform. Hardcopy applications or applications sent via email are not accepted.
Prospective interns should regularly check the ICJ website for updates on internship opportunities. The specific application process, requirements, and deadlines may vary for each internship vacancy. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable for interested candidates to refer directly to the ICJ website and follow the instructions provided for applying to the internship programme.
