The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is recruiting Internet Resources Interns in Geneva, Switzerland, with applications open until 04 March 2027. The unpaid, full-time internship lasts up to six months, can be done remotely or in person and requires no prior experience. Youth Works Hub reviewed the full vacancy and set out its duties, requirements and conditions below.
What Is the IIIM Internet Resources Internship?
This internship sits within the Information Systems Management Section (ISMS) of the IIIM. It focuses on information management and, in particular, internet research.
The vacancy is a Generic Job Opening used to build a pool of qualified candidates. The pool will be used to fill internship vacancies between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027.
🆔 Job Opening ID: 273246
🏷️ Category and level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
📂 Recruitment type: Candidate Pool, Intern
📍 Duty station: Geneva
🏛️ Department: Syria International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism
What Does the IIIM Do?
The IIIM was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.
Objectives of the Internship
🧭 Support tasks related to internet research.
📚 Research methodologies and synthesize relevant literature on issues of interest.
🗃️ Assist with tasks relating to information governance, data analysis and script development.
Research and Analysis Tasks
🔎 Conduct targeted open-source research and analysis.
🌐 Research and summarise political, economic, social, technological and legal issues related to the current Syrian situation.
🧩 Assist with frameworks and processes related to information governance, data analysis and script development.
🖥️ Compile relevant research and analysis into a final presentation for the IIIM.
The Final Presentation
Each intern produces a final presentation that details their research and analysis. The presentation is for the sole use of the IIIM.
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Professional Responsibilities During the Internship
✅ Complete assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
⏱️ Meet deadlines and respond to instructions promptly.
🔒 Maintain confidentiality of all records and information accessed during the internship.
🤝 Work independently and as part of a team.
🙌 Demonstrate professionalism and respect for colleagues and stakeholders.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher).
📖 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent).
Which Study Backgrounds Fit This UN Internship?
No prior experience is necessary. The IIIM seeks candidates with relevant coursework in the following areas, or in a closely related field of study:
🌏 International relations
📰 Journalism
⚖️ Law
🗺️ International politics
🗄️ Information governance
🤖 Machine learning
🧠 Artificial intelligence
🛡️ Cybersecurity
🔐 Information security
📜 Privacy law
🧷 Data protection
🧪 Digital forensics
📊 Data science
🛠️ Engineering
💻 Software engineering
The IIIM is open to a broad range of educational, project, volunteering and research backgrounds.
Skills and Languages
👥 Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to try to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
💬 Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
🗣️ Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an advantage.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Duration, Hours and Work Location
🗓️ Duration: a maximum of six months.
📅 Start: between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027. The start date and duration may be adjusted at the request of the successful candidate.
🕘 Schedule: full time, Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 18h00.
🏠 Work location: remote or in person.
Costs, Insurance and Unpaid Status
An IIIM internship is unpaid. Interns are responsible for all internship-related expenses that they incur. If you are weighing this kind of placement against other options, our guide to the difference between a fellowship, an internship and a traineeship can help.
The United Nations accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents or illness incurred during an internship. Upon award of an internship, interns must secure adequate insurance coverage and sign and return a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of these conditions of service.
Visa Rules for In-Person Interns in Geneva
For in-person internships, candidates of certain nationalities must obtain a visa authorising their stay in Switzerland before they depart for Geneva. This is the overall responsibility of the selected candidate, and the IIIM will provide information and supporting documents.
Confidentiality Obligations
Interns must keep confidential any and all unpublished information obtained during the internship. They may not publish reports or papers based on such information except with the explicit written authorization of the Head of the IIIM.
Interns are bound by the same duties and obligations as staff members, and information accessed during the internship must not be divulged to external parties.
Family Relationships With UN Staff
A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. An applicant with any other family relationship to a staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided they are not assigned to the same work unit or placed under the direct or indirect supervision of that staff member.
Other Conditions You Should Know
💼 There should be no expectation of employment by the United Nations or the IIIM upon completion of the internship.
🧾 All internship recruitment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.
🌟 The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, and recruits interns regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
♿ Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
⚠️ Fulfilment of the responsibilities of this position may necessitate engagement with material or information that may be distressing.
🚫 The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training) and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
You can browse more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Internet Resources Intern do at the IIIM?
The intern supports the Information Systems Management Section on information management and internet research. Tasks include targeted open-source research and analysis, summarising issues related to the current Syrian situation and assisting with information governance, data analysis and script development.
Is the IIIM internship in Geneva paid?
No, an IIIM internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns are responsible for all internship-related expenses and for securing adequate insurance coverage.
Can the IIIM internship be done remotely?
Yes, internships are available as full-time and can be conducted remotely or in person. Working hours are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 18h00.
Do I need work experience to apply for this UN internship?
No prior experience is necessary, although the IIIM seeks relevant coursework in fields such as international relations, law, journalism, data science or cybersecurity. Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate programme, or the final academic year of a first university degree.
What languages are required for the IIIM Internet Resources Internship?
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an advantage.
How long does the internship last?
The internship lasts a maximum of six months and starts between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027. The start date and duration may be adjusted at the request of the successful candidate.
Do I need a visa to intern in Geneva?
For in-person internships, candidates of certain nationalities must obtain a visa authorising their stay in Switzerland before departure. The selected candidate holds overall responsibility for this, and the IIIM provides information and supporting documents.
Deadline
⏳ 04 March 2027
Link
🔗 Application page: https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=273246&languageCd=ENG
