Internships

 Special Tribunal for Lebanon Internship Progamme

The STL offers internships to highly motivated students and young professionals with good academic qualifications who are in the final stages of education or in the early stages of their careers. The internship is a practical, educational experience whereby interns principally assist the staff of the STL in discharging their duties. Under supervision, interns are assigned projects and tasks that are relevant to their educational background and interests and provide them with the opportunity to put into practice and further develop their theoretical knowledge. The Programme will also afford interns the opportunity to develop a more profound understanding of the STL and its mandate. The work will generally be comparable to the work of the upper general service category or junior professional level. Internships are offered for a period of between three and six months.

Eligibility requirements

In order to apply for an internship placement, candidates will need to ensure that they meet the general eligibility requirements listed below, as well as any additional requirements stated by the specific Organ of the STL to which the candidate elects to apply. Every application will be processed on eligibility criteria. Nationals from Lebanon are particularly encouraged to apply.

  1. Educational and professional background

    Academic qualifications

    All candidates must have a degree or be in the final stages of their studies. Candidates should have a very good record of academic performance and a demonstrated interest in the work of the STL.

    • Applications to legal positions are welcome from individuals specialising in one or more of the following disciplines: national and international criminal law, public international law, international humanitarian law, human rights law, comparative law and criminology.
    • Applications to positions that do not require legal training are welcome from individuals specialising in history, international relations, political science, journalism, translation and interpretation, information technology and communication, logistics, human resources management, social psychology, administrative sciences, forensic science, statistics or economics.
    • Graduates of other disciplines may also be considered.

    Practical experience

    Since the internship is focused at candidates in the final stages of education or 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 the STL may be considered an asset.

  2. Language skills

    Unless specific language skills are stated as a requirement by the participating Sections of the STL, good oral communication and drafting skills in at least one of the official languages of the STL (English, Arabic and French) are required. Working knowledge of one or both of the other languages will be an asset.

  3. Other requirements

    • Adaptability to a multicultural and multilingual working environment encompassing the principal legal traditions of the world.

    • Ability to work effectively in a team, as well as independently.

    • A good standard of computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office applications).

    • Other important qualities are discretion, reliability, intellectual rigour, precision, perseverance, honesty, creativity, co-operative spirit and integrity.

Application procedure

All applicants to the Internship Programme are required to submit a completed application form and supporting documents as detailed below. Applications that are not submitted in accordance with these requirements shall be regarded as incomplete and may not be considered for the Programme.

  1. A completed Internship Application Form. Please indicate interest in one or more Organs (Chambers, Office of the Prosecutor, Registry, or Defence Office) and/or Sections within the Organ, in order of preference;

  2. A concise written statement presenting the candidate's reasons for seeking an internship placement, explaining how their interests and experience (academic and non-academic) meet the requirements of the Organ/Section selected on the application form and stating their expectations and the perceived benefits of the placement to the their future career (maximum 400 words);

  3. Two (2) written references/letters of recommendation from referees familiar with the candidate's academic background, achievements and work (if the candidate has work experience), including at least one from an academic instructor. Referees should not be relatives of the candidates;

  4. Copies of university degrees and/or diplomas in their original language;

  5. Copies of official transcripts of courses taken during university studies;

  6. A recent, unedited writing sample (maximum two pages, single spaced, type written);

  7. Optionally, a recognised language certificate in English, French and/or Arabic.

All documents should be in English or French. If official documents, such as university degrees or transcripts, are not available in English or French, a complete and accurate uncertified translation into either English or French together with copies of the document must by provide. Applicants may be asked to provide a certified translation if appropriate.

Funding of interns

Interns will not receive any remuneration for their work. Limited funding is available in the form of grants provided by the European Commission to support interns who are deemed to be most in need of financial assistance in order to take up a placement at the STL.

Those interns granted financial assistance will receive a stipend of €750.00 per calendar month to cover the costs of living in The Hague.  In addition, the STL will arrange and cover the cost of travel (economy class) from and to the selected candidate's country of residence, as well as covering the cost of mandatory emergency medical insurance.  Interns will be responsible for providing proof of third party liability insurance in The Netherlands and for the costs of any additional health insurance coverage they may wish to procure.

Interns who are not granted a stipend under the terms of the European Commission will not receive any financial assistance during their internship with the STL and will be required to cover all travel and living costs themselves. Such individuals will also be required to provide proof of adequate medical insurance coverage (including hospitalization for at least the duration of the internship plus one month) and third party liability insurance in The Netherlands.

Application deadline

Applications for the Internship Programme may be submitted throughout the year.  You are advised to apply at least three months in advance of your preferred internship period.

Submission of applications

All applications, together with all required documentation, should be sent to the following e-mail address:

The Organ to which the application is being submitted should be indicated in the subject line of the email. For example: Internship Application - Chambers

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