JOB ADVERTS

Organisation Unit: Directorate of Training and Research

Position: Internship

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Places: Two

Duty Station: Kampala

Contract Duration: 6 months

Deadline for Application: 30/04/2026 (East African Time)

Due to the volume of applications received, only successful applicants will be contacted by the Institute.

Required Documents for this Application: 

Please note that you will need to have the following information ready in order to complete your application:

• Motivation letter (maximum of 400 words in French or English). Two reference letters (one academic).

• Scanned copies of university degrees and/or diplomas.

• Scanned copies of official academic transcripts that state your courses, subjects, results, and completion date.

Contract Duration:
Interns are required to work full time for a period of six months (to be agreed to prior to commencement).

The Opportunity:
The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) is a pan-African institution with a broad mandate of promoting the United Nations Crime Prevention Programme in Africa, focusing on technical cooperation, research, training, and data collection to improve criminal justice.

Organisational Context:

The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) operates within the broader framework of the United Nations as part of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI). In this capacity, it works closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), contributing to the implementation of global policies and strategies on crime prevention and criminal justice, with a specific focus on the African continent.

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At the regional level, UNAFRI serves African countries by providing technical assistance and policy advisory services aimed at strengthening criminal justice systems. Its work includes capacity building through training programmes, conducting research on crime trends, supporting data collection, and promoting regional cooperation among justice sector institutions across Africa.

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In carrying out its mandate, UNAFRI collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including national governments, law enforcement and judicial institutions, international organizations, academic and research institutions, and civil society organizations. These partnerships enhance the Institute’s ability to respond effectively to emerging crime challenges and to promote best practices across the region.

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The operational environment of UNAFRI is shaped by evolving crime dynamics in Africa, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational organized crime, as well as broader development priorities. Its work is aligned with continental frameworks like those of the African Union, including Agenda 2063, and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Director General, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Assist in drafting legal memoranda and produce research on a wide range of legal issues;

2. Prepare factual background documents on thematic areas in crime prevention and criminal;

3. Prepare Concept Notes;

4. Assist in drafting legal opinions

5. Undertake ad hoc legal assignments as requested.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

All Candidates must have a Law degree and a Diploma in Legal Practice from a recognised institution. Candidates are expected to have a very good record of academic performance. University studies in the field of criminal law, public international law, humanitarian law, human rights law, or comparative law would be an asset.

 

Experience:

Internship placements focus on candidates in the early stages of their professional careers. Practical experience is not an essential prerequisite for selection. However, practical experience that is relevant to the work of UNAFRI may be considered an asset, but should not exceed 3 (three) years.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to multicultural and multilingual working environments.

• Possesses strong teamwork skills (listens, consults and communicates proactively).

• Has acquired a good standard of computer skills (including Microsoft Office applications).

Knowledge of Languages:

Knowledge of French or Arabic will be an added advantage.

Remuneration:

Kindly note that placements under the Internship and Visiting Professional Programme at UNAFRI are offered on an unpaid basis. The Institute does not provide any form of remuneration to participants, nor does it cover or reimburse any expenses incurred before, during, or after the internship or visiting professional engagement.

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Applicants must therefore be able to support themselves for the entire duration of their internship or visiting professional placement.

 

All interested candidates should submit their motivation letter, curriculum vitae, a copy of their National ID, and copies of their academic documents to the email address: unafri@unafri.or.ug