Intern, Public Information

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department within the UN Secretariat, established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and promote equality while countering discrimination. The OHCHR plays a vital role in combating impunity, enhancing accountability, and integrating human rights into development and economic spheres. It was created in 2006 following the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council (HRC). The OHCHR operates globally, focusing on various human rights themes and providing support to independent human rights experts, known as mandate holders, who report on human rights issues from thematic perspectives. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness about human rights worldwide and empowering individuals to realize their rights, while assisting those responsible for upholding these rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Special Procedures Branch (SPB) of the OHCHR is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and wish to gain practical experience in public information. The intern will work under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch and report directly to the Special Procedure Media Officer. The primary focus of this role is to support the OHCHR in its mission to promote human rights and raise awareness about various human rights issues globally. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks, including media and social media monitoring, analyzing trends, and assisting in the creation of visual content for social media platforms. This position offers a unique opportunity to attend sessions of the Human Rights Council, participate in press conferences, and contribute to the organization of related activities and events, thereby gaining insight into the workings of the UN and its human rights mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: contributing to media and social media monitoring; analyzing trends and topics on social media; selecting appropriate photos; designing visual illustrations for social media posts; assisting in drafting social media content; attending sessions of the Human Rights Council and supporting the preparation of related activities; assisting in organizing press conferences; and performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. The intern will play a crucial role in helping the OHCHR communicate its messages effectively and engage with a broader audience on human rights issues.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) at the time of application. The preferred fields of study include communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related area. Additionally, selected candidates must be able to commence the internship on the date specified in the acceptance letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) or be enrolled in a graduate programme (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as communication, journalism, international relations, or public administration. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and effectively contributing to the OHCHR's mission.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, any relevant experience in communication, public relations, or human rights advocacy will be considered an asset. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and public information.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, and familiarity with another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three months, subject to supervisor approval. The position is not financially remunerated, and the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.