Internship Programs

ICSID Internships

Unpaid Internships

The objective of the ICSID internship program is to offer graduate students with an interest in international investment law and international investment dispute settlement a suitable environment for them to develop their professional and academic skills. ICSID enables professionals in the field of international law to grow professionally by discussing ideas and exchanging experiences and understanding the organization’s work and policies. The organization offers up to four internships every four months.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the World Bank/ICSID model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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Organization overview

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) is one of five organizations that make up the World Bank Group. It is considered a multilateral and autonomous institution established with the purpose of promoting the arbitration and conciliation of conflicts concerning the international flow of private investments among its member states. ICSID has 162 member-states and is the only global institution offering an International Forum for arbitration of investment disputes. Since its creation more than 600 disputes have been arbitrated under the agency’s rules. Its headquarters are in Washington D.C. (United States).

Organization’s main focus: To promote the resolution of conflicts related to international investments.

Themes addressed by the organization:

International Financial Regulation
Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation of Investment Disputes
International Trade Law

Description of the internship program

Fields of study:
The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

International Law
International Investment Law
International Investment Dispute Settlement

Internship activities:
The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Drafting working papers;
Carrying out research on issues that arise in the course of a case;
Assisting with the drafting of case correspondence;
Making logistical arrangements for hearings, and attending hearings with permission from the parties and the tribunal;
Interns will also do research on institutional matters under the supervision of the ICSID Secretary-General and Deputy Secretaries-General. Interns are included as part of the teams while at ICSID and are invited to participate in internal training opportunities.

Duration:
From 12 weeks (minimum) to 16 weeks (maximum).

Weekly workload:
Interns work a minimum of 10 hours per week. Those with the necessary availability may work on a fulltime basis (40 hours a week).

Locations:
The openings are for the ICSID in Washington, D.C.

When the internship starts:
The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Feedback following the internship:
At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:
Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

Payment

The internship is unpaid.

Requirements

Education:
Rising 3L, LLM or Ph.D. Student.

Language:
Applicants must have fluency in English and preferably also in Spanish or French, the other two official languages of ICSID.

Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.

Nationality:
Applicants must be a citizen of a ICSID member state.

Competencies:
The main competencies required are:

A demonstrated interest in investor-State dispute settlement and international investment law;
Ability to conduct research on a range of issues in the fields of arbitration and investment law;
Strong writing and legal drafting skills;
A demonstrated interest in investor-State dispute settlement and international investment law.

Other requirements:
Applicants must provide written confirmation stating that: (a) their internship period will be used as academic credit for at least one subject of their course of study; or (b) that their university will provide them with a stipend for the duration of the internship. Before applying for openings they must check with their university if they are eligible for an internship period.

Restrictions:
An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member. Applicants must also submit a Medical Certificate of Good Health.

Application process

When to apply:
The organization offers up to 4 internships every 4 months. The internship period and the corresponding enrollment deadline are as follows:

June 15 for the September-December Internship period (fall semester)
November 15 for the January-April Internship period (spring semester); and
January 15 for the May-August Internship period (summer semester).

How to apply:
Applicants that meet the requirements above must complete a form provided by ICSID with their basic information and attach their CV and other necessary documents. Applications should be sent to the following email: icsidinternship@worldbank.org.

Link to form: https://icsid.worldbank.org/en/Documents/about/Internship%20Admissions%20Application.pdf.

Phases of the selection process:
The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

Interview:
Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

Documents to submit:

CV/résumé;
ICSID form;
Proof of enrolment in graduate program.

Evaluation criteria:
You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Costs incurred

The organization offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:
Candidates must further have or be able to obtain an F1 or G4 visa, or be U.S. citizens or residents (Greencard holders). You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa.

Insurance:
ICSID recommends that selected interns procure a medical insurance for the period of the internship. You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan.

Accommodation:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.