International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals is inviting applications for the position of Legal Intern based in Arusha. The internship opportunity is within the Office of the Prosecutor and is designed for law students or recent law graduates interested in international criminal law, legal research, litigation support, and tribunal-related legal work.

The successful candidate will support the Office of the Prosecutor in legal research, drafting, litigation support, and case preparation activities related to the continuing functions of the Mechanism. This internship provides valuable exposure to international legal processes and tribunal operations.

Job Title

• Legal Intern

Organization

• International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Job Opening ID

• 277600

Job Family

• Legal Affairs

Category and Level

• Internship, I-1

Duty Station

• Arusha, Tanzania

Department/Office

• Office of the Prosecutor
• International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Expected Duration

• 3 to 6 Months

Date Posted

• 20 May 2026

Application Deadline

• 3 June 2026

Organizational Overview

The Office of the Prosecutor provides legal support and counsel on matters related to the continuing functions of the Mechanism, including:

• Assistance to national authorities prosecuting war crimes cases
• Policy development
• Capacity building
• Enforcement of sentences
• Requests for early release
• Witness protection
• Post-conviction litigation including contempt and review proceedings

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research
• Carry out factual analysis
• Provide drafting assistance
• Support litigation-related work
• Cite-check legal documents
• Compile and collate legal materials
• Assist with legal documentation and case preparation

Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:

• Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a bachelor’s degree in Law or equivalent
• Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate law programme such as a master’s degree, second university degree, or higher qualification

Applicants may also be:

• Final year bachelor’s degree students
• Master’s or PhD students
• Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD qualifications in Law

Professional Experience

• Professional work experience is not required
• Applicants must have academic background closely related to the internship field

Required Skills and Competencies

• Good drafting skills
• Good oral communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Computer literacy in standard software applications

Desirable Skills

• Previous legal experience
• Ability to prepare legal documents
• Strong legal research skills

Language Requirements

Required

• Fluency in English

Desirable

• Working knowledge of French
• Working knowledge of Kinyarwanda

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents through the Inspira application system:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Copies of law degree transcripts showing courses and grades
• Writing sample relevant to the work of the Mechanism, not exceeding 10 pages
• Preference and Availability Form from the IRMCT internship guidelines page

Additional Information

• Documents must be submitted in English or French only
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• The internship is unpaid
• Interns are responsible for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses
• Non-citizens may require visa or work authorization depending on local requirements

Important Notice

The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including:

• Application
• Interview
• Processing
• Training

The United Nations does not request applicants’ bank account information.