Policy Assistant Internship Australian Permanent Missions Geneva

The Australian Permanent Missions to the United Nations UN and the World Trade Organization WTO in Geneva offer three to five month Policy Assistant Internships for Australian citizens. This opportunity allows Policy Assistants to support Australia's engagement in international organisations, covering areas such as human rights, global health, trade, disarmament, and humanitarian affairs. The work is hands on, diverse, and involves attending formal and informal meetings, conducting research, reporting, and contributing to corporate activities. Policy Assistants may also have the opportunity to represent the Mission formally by delivering statements or participating in negotiations. Interns are provided a monthly stipend of CHF 1,320 to assist with living expenses, but the position is primarily self funded for travel, accommodation, and health insurance.

• 📅 Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Monday, 17 November, 08:00 (Geneva time).

  • Intake Period 1: 16 February - 24 July 2026.

  • Intake Period 2: 20 July - 4 December 2026.

• 👥 Eligibility

  • Must be an Australian citizen.

  • Must be willing to relocate to Geneva for a period of up to five months, on a primarily self funded basis for travel, accommodation, and health insurance.

  • Must have an interest in human rights, disarmament, the global trading system, and/or the other areas of work covered by the Missions.

  • Relevant qualifications and background, with a preference for those who have recently completed or are completing tertiary studies in areas such as political science, international relations, or international law, is sought.

  • Prior exposure to or demonstrated knowledge of the UN or the WTO is highly desirable.

  • A second language is desirable but not essential.