Austin M. Wallace
International Relations
Geopolitical & Multicultural Affairs
Specialist/Analyst/Advisor/Policy/Relations/Research
United States Citizen & Passport Holder
SUMMARY
I am an International Affairs Specialist with an extensive knowledge of world affairs seeking opportunities in Geopolitical and Multicultural Affairs. I have worked simultaneously for the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross and the Republic of San Marino.
I work well under pressure, excel with multitasking, solutions and detail oriented, have a nose for policy and can undertake extensive research. I am known for exceptional interpersonal and communications abilities in multicultural as well as multilingual environments. I dedicate myself with great initiative to my departments, assignments and projects.
My experience, thus far, has been Voting in the General Assembly, Public Speaking, Diplomatic/Conflict Resolution Sessions, Debating, Publishing Academic Works, Historical/Contemporary Research, Decolonization, Refugee Outreach and Summit Preparation.
I am Columbia certified as an Expert in African Politics, History and Society as well as on Working Knowledge of the French Language.
About 20% of my time at the United Nations, I spoke in French.
EDUCATION
Columbia University (2024)
New York, New York
• Masters of Arts – European History, Politics and Society (Magna Cum Laude)
• Ambassador/Graduate Outreach – United Nations Association of America (Columbia University Chapter)
• Member of the GSAS Student Advisory Board
Drew University (2022)
Madison, New Jersey
• Bachelors of Arts – International Relations (Dean’s Lists)
• Minor – History
• Janet T. Siler Memorial Prize for excellence in Research and Academic accomplishment to a student whose character exemplifies the international spirit of the United Nations
• NCAA Division III Swimmer
• Debate Club Treasurer
• Model United Nations Treasurer
Rolling Hills Preparatory School (2018)
Los Angeles, California
• High School Diploma (Cum Laude, National Honor Society)
• Citizens of America Nominee
• Model United Nations Special Recognition
• Treasurer – Student Council
• Co-Founder – Junior Statesmen of America
• Co-President – International Club
• Co-President – Diversity Club
• Treasurer – Debate Club
• Captain – Swim Team
• Swim Champion (2017-2018) – Coastal League
• Most Valuable Player (2017-2018) – Swim Team
EXPERIENCE
International Committee of the Red Cross (2023-Present)
New York, New York / Los Angeles, California
Youth Envoy and Student Representative
• Worked as a student ambassador and representative on the Refugee Outreach program
• Participated on the Restoring Family Links for the ICRC as well as the American Red Cross (New York Branch). Helped refugees and families connect and reconvene after natural disasters and political conflict forced them apart
United Nations (2022-2023)
New York, New York
Political Affairs Assistant/Consultant
Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
• Interfaced at many levels of leadership from diplomats to ambassadors to the Secretary-General
• Provided leadership with scheduling data, departmental decisions and received critical data for the department
• Managed office tasks to ensure smooth office operations of the many daily meetings and events
• Created graphical images and copy for social media posts as well as UNWEBTV
• Represented the department at numerous General Assembly sessions
• Had several speaking engagements for youth issues on behalf of the department
• Assisted with any C-24 needs as well as Decolonization initiatives posed by the GA and Security Council
• Attended critical meetings between states within the C-24 and the Chair of the C-24
• Prepared materials for the department for the C-24 Summit in Indonesia
• Assembled materials for and remotely attended the 2023 UN Seminar in Bali of the Special Committee on Decolonization
• Performed Historical and Contemporary Research necessary for UN-Decolonization efforts
• Worked in English, French and German as well as rudimentary levels in several other languages.
Peacekeeping/Conflict Resolution Intern
Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
• Tackled administrative duties including attending diplomatic sessions surrounding issues with the DRC
• Performed and Presented Research on the DRC to the German government
Republic of San Marino – Permanent Mission to the United Nations (2023-2023)
New York, New York
Political Affairs Advisor (3-Month Contract)
• Worked directly for the Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador
• Handled any required administrative duties and tasks
• Attended the General Assembly with and on behalf of the Mission
• Voted on several resolutions on behalf of the Mission including cease fire accords between Israel and Hamas
Lexington Academy Tutoring/Beyond the Curve (2021-2023)
Los Angeles, California
Teacher, Manager and Board Member
• Managed the Palos Verdes, California location including daily operations, planning, customer service, finance and staff
• Taught College, High School, Middle School and Elementary School students in History, Politics and English
• Served on the Board of Directors at Beyond The Curve
Drew University (2019-2021)
Madison, New Jersey
Tutor (Student Worker)
• Tutored College and High School students in History, International Relations, Politics, and other subjects
City of Los Angeles (2017-2018)
Los Angeles, California
High School Intern – 15th District City Councilman Joe Buscaino
• Interfaced at all levels including Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Councilman, attorneys and office management.
• Handled countless administrative duties and worked on numerous city and community projects
• Coordinated and attended numerous meetings and events in the 15th District
CERTIFICATIONS
Republic of San Marino
New York, New York
Certificate of Service to the Crown
International Committee of the Red Cross
New York, New York
Basic Field Training
Restoring Family Links Outreach
Restoring Family Links Caseworker
Data and Privacy Preparedness
United Nations
New York, New York
Certification of Service
Certification of Appreciation
Sustainable Development in Latin America and Caribbean Summit
BESAFE
Ethics and Integrity
I Know Gender
Information Security Awareness: Foundational, Preventing Fraud and Corruption at the United Nations
Preventing of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN Personnel: Managers and Commanders
Human Rights Responsibilities for staff in DEVNET, INFONET, LEGALNET and POLNET
Respect for Managers: Preventing Sexual Harassment and Other Prohibited Conduct
Columbia University
New York, New York
Certified in General African History, Politics and Society
Certified with Working Knowledge of the French Language
American University
Washington, D. C.
Passed Foreign Service Examination
PUBLISHED WORKS
Columbia University
New York, New York
Graduate Thesis
Counterterrorism in Mali (A Tragic French Foray – French Interventionism in Mali 2013-2023)
Policy
European Union Externalization & Securitization Policy Towards Refugee and Migratory Movements
Historical and Policy
The Grain Deal (The United Nations’ Fight to Feed the World Ukraine’s Grain)
Historical and Policy
Colonial Violence (The Legacy of the Belgian Congo)
Policy
European Union Migratory Policy with North Africa (Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa)
Historical
Europe’s Integration Project with Algeria
Drew University
New York, New York
Historical and Policy
MONUSCO (The United Nations’ Most Complex Peacekeeping Endeavor)
Winner of the Janet T. Siler Memorial Prize
PUBLIC SPEAKING
United Nations
New York, New York
2024 Youth ECOSOC World Forum – International Conference on Multiple Disciplinary Studies and Education – Stockholm
2024 Youth ECOSOC World Forum – International Conference on African Studies, Popular Culture and History – Stockholm
2023 Youth ECOSOC World Forum
3rd Committee Debate of United Nations General Assembly Session 78
United Nations General Assembly Session 78 – Youth Human Rights in Education
4th Committee Debate on Nuclear Disarmament and Research for United Nations General Assembly Session 78
Youth Panel Discussion with the UN International Organization of Migration 2023
Youth Dialogue with UN Partners for the 2030 Agenda
German Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
UN Diplomatic Dialogue with regards to EU-UN Relations
ORGANIZATIONS
United Nations
New York, New York
Member
United Nations’ Young Professionals
Alpha Epsilon Omicron
Germany
Member
International Honors Society
SKILLS
Excellent Written and Oral Communications
Fluent in English
Professional Working and Conversational French
Rudimentary knowledge of German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin and Arabic
Public Speaking including on UNWEBTV
Extensive Knowledge on Current World Affairs
Conversant regarding most Countries and Territories Regarding Governments, Economics, Military and History.
Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Google Drive (Docs and Sheets)
Basic Video and Graphics Development
Technical Skills on PC & Mac
Network/Server Security
Video/Public Address System setup
REFERENCES
References available upon request from the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, the Republic of San Marino, Columbia University and others.