Are you passionate about international criminal law, humanitarian law, and transitional justice?
The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) is offering a Legal Internship at its Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) in The Hague. This internship provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the heart of international justice and support legal processes related to war crimes, appeals, enforcement of sentences, and capacity-building with national authorities.
📍 About the Internship
The Office of the Prosecutor consists of three legal teams, and interns may work across all of them:
🔹 Core Team
Focuses on legal counsel, policy, capacity building, enforcement of sentences, and post-conviction litigation.
🔹 Appeals / Legal Advisory Team
Supports complex appeals, comparative criminal law analysis, and direct case assistance to national jurisdictions.
🔹 Category II Team
Assists national investigators and prosecutors in war-crimes cases in the former Yugoslavia.
This internship offers exposure to real legal processes underpinning accountability, rule of law, and transitional justice worldwide.
🧠 Your Tasks
Intern responsibilities may include:
📚 Legal research on international humanitarian and criminal law
📝 Drafting legal documents, memos, and analysis
🔎 Factual research and review of case files
📑 Cite-checking and document verification
📂 Supporting litigation and post-conviction matters
🤝 Assisting national authorities in ongoing war-crimes prosecutions
🔐 Handling sensitive and confidential information
🎓 Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet ONE of the following:
✔️ Enrolled in final year of a law Bachelor’s degree
✔️ Enrolled in / completed a law Master’s degree (LL.M.)
✔️ Enrolled in / completed advanced law studies (PhD or equivalent)
Desired:
• Legal experience (academic or practical)
• Ability to draft legal texts
• Strong legal research skills
• Ability to work with confidential information
• Computer literacy
🌐 Languages
• English: required
• French or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian: desirable
📄 Mandatory Documents
Applications must include:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts (courses + grades)
- Writing sample (max 10 pages, relevant field)
- Preference & Availability Form
https://www.irmct.org/en/recruitment/internship/internship-programme/progamme-guidelines
Applications missing any documents will not be considered.
⏳ Duration
3 to 6 months starting 01 February 2026
📍 Location: The Hague, The Netherlands
📅 Application Deadline
4 December 2025
🔗 Application Link
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/267374?language=en
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
