UN Global Compact

Organisation Profile

The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest universal corporate citizenship/social responsibility initiative.  It provides a model framework for businesses that are committed to operating in accordance with the United Nations’ ten universally accepted principles in the categories of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption.

The UN acknowledges the important role business, trade and investment play in prosperity and peace, yet in some areas, businesses can be linked with serious dilemmas such as exploitative practices, corruption, conflict, and barriers that discourage innovation and entrepreneurship.  Responsible business practices, however, can increase trust and social capital, as well as make a major contribution to sustainable development.  

As a voluntary initiative, the Global Compact has two main goals. The first is to embed the ten principles within global business culture. The second is to increase support for broader UN initiatives and goals (such as the Millennium Development Goals).

Internship Profile

The Castan Centre Intern will participate in the internship program based at the Global Compact Office in New York City.  The Office is the UN body responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Global Compact initiative.  All Global Compact interns are involved in the Global Compact’s substantive work and will undertake various tasks including:

• Research and analysis;
• Drafting and editing publications, papers and other documents;
• Organising meetings and events, and assisting in outreach activities;
• Assisting in the implementation of the Global Compact’s integrity measures, coordination of the Communication on Progress process; and
• Performing administrative tasks as assigned and handling email and other inquiries.

The work assigned to the Castan Centre Intern will have a specific human rights focus.

For more information about the UN Global Compact, visit its website at http://www.unglobalcompact.org/

Eligibility Criteria

Please click here for eligibility criteria.

Please note: Interns must have completed at least 4 years of full-time study by the start of the internship to be eligible.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in their personal statement.

• Familiarity with corporate citizenship/corporate social responsibility;
• Particular interest in the activities of the Global Compact;
• A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
• Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application Process

• Complete the UN Global Compact Application Form and also prepare the following documents: 
  
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of results (download from WES) which must show at least a 60% average across all law studies
  • A personal statement of no more than one page typed (minimum size ariel font x10 point)showing a proven interest in the work and mission of Human Rights First.
• Submit your application either -
  
  • in hard copy to the International Programs Officer located in the Student Services office on Level 1 of the Law building
  • via email from your Monash student account to  erica.contini@law.monash.edu.au. If submitting via email, we will contact you to confirm receipt of your application. If you do not get confirmation, please contact us.
• The Monash Castan Centre for Human Rights Law is responsible for short listing applicants.
• Short listing of applicants may include an interview by members of the Castan Centre
• The successful applicant will be contacted directly via phone and/or email by the Castan Centre Project Manager
• All unsuccessful applicants will be notified via phone and/or email by the International Programs Officer  
• International Programs Officer will notify the Faculty Finance Manager of the successful intern
• Once the successful intern has been notified they must contact the International Programs Officer to discuss travel arrangements and release of funds.

Note: All grants should be used in the first instance to cover travel costs, followed by insurance and accommodation costs if funds permit

Equity Grants

Student Travel Fund (STF) Equity Grants have been developed to provide financial assistance for faculty internship programs to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. 

Contact Information

If you would like further information about this internship please contact:

Forms

UN Global Compact application form
Equity Grant application form [PDF]

Other Useful Information

For information on living and working in New York City, see the reports of former Castan Centre Global Interns at Human Rights First, also based in New York City. 

Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2006-07
Accommodation and cost of living hints - 2005-06