Internship - Legal Support to Programmes (LSP)

Location: Lyon, France

Internship 1993

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.

Title: Internship - Legal Support to Programmes (LSP) Directorate: Legal Support to Operations Sub-Directorate: Legal Support to Programmes Duty station: Lyon Duration (in months): 6.00 Estimated starting date: 4 January 2027 Level of security clearance: Basic Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026

INTERPOL’s Internship Programme welcomes candidates from any of our 196 member countries.

INTERPOL actively encourages applications from women and nationals of member countries that are currently unrepresented among our staff (please click on this link to access the list of countries). Candidates from these countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

The Programme attracts talented students or recent graduates to the Organization and provides them with:

- A better understanding of the Organization’s goals and objectives and how international police cooperation is organized

- An insight into how an international organization operates

- A framework to enhance their educational experience through practical work assignments, thereby developing skills which are useful for their career and future employment

- Experience of working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary and multi-ethnic environment, contributing to the development of mutual understanding, trust and tolerance

All the relevant information about our Internship Programme may be found on our official web site.

As of 1 January 2025, the internship allowance is EUR 700 and a transport subsidy of EUR 30 per month. An additional housing subsidy of EUR 170 per month will be provided to eligible interns.

Interns are required to be subscribed to a health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the internship. However, they are eligible to request enrolment in the Organization’s health insurance coverage at no additional cost.

Please note INTERPOL does not establish or endorse internship agreements with universities or academic institutions. Internship arrangements and communication are made solely between INTERPOL and the individual selected for the internship.

Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the conditions of internship and the requirements prior to applying for this internship.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this internship, the intern will:

Gain knowledge and exposure to legal frameworks relating to data protection, information security, and the regulation of emerging technology.

Develop an understanding of the legal framework governing INTERPOL and its interactions with member countries

Gain knowledge on the legal aspects of various crime areas (terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, financial crime, etc.)

Primary duties

Conduct legal research and drafting in relation to a variety of legal questions (e.g., concerning compliance with INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules of Processing Data and INTERPOL’s operational support to member countries) relating to areas including data protection, information security, and partnerships / cooperation with external entities.

Assist in research for and drafting of governance documents relating to various topics (such as risk assessment guides, FAQs, and standard operating procedures).

Provide support to staff engaged in the drafting and negotiation of cooperation agreements and other cooperative arrangements concluded between INTERPOL and various partners.

Carry out any other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

All candidates will be assessed on the under mentioned requirements

Requirements

Be a national of one of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries.

Have attained the legal age in the country of nationality.

Training / Education required

Be enrolled in a, or have graduated from, a post-secondary accredited academic institution within the past one year (preferably having completed coursework relating to technology, data protecion, or public international law)

Languages

Professional fluency in English

A good command of any other INTERPOL official language (Arabic, Spanish, French) will be considered as an asset.

Technical skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.

Abilities required

Ability to work with discretion, diplomacy, tact, and rigor

Willingness to learn new or unfamiliar areas of law.

Prior exposure to data protection law, infromation security, or regulation of emerging technologies will be considered as an asset.

Exposure to drafting or review of governance, technical, or risk management documentation, particularly in relation to emerging technologies will be considered as an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ASSESSMENT METHOD

Application process

Only applications submitted in response to a specific internship vacancy will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received, we are unable to answer individual queries.

A completed online application is required and should include a cover letter including:

Your motivation to join the INTERPOL internship programme

Your interest in and your assets for this specific internship opportunity

Your expectations for this internship

Assessment method

All applications will be assessed against the requirements indicated in this call for internship. Applicants who meet these requirements most closely will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration and assessment.

INTERPOL does not discriminate on any grounds and candidates will be treated under conditions of equality.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

A confidentiality vetting inquiry will be carried out on behal