Intern - Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It operates in 193 member states and employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide. The UN aims to address global challenges and foster international collaboration to achieve sustainable development and human rights for all.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of human rights within the United Nations framework. The intern will work under the guidance of the Head of the Secretariat and report directly to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. The internship is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for a total of six months, depending on the supervisor's approval. The role is intended to be full-time and in-person, although adjustments may be made based on the successful candidate's needs. Interns will engage in various activities that support the mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights globally. This includes assisting in the collection and analysis of information regarding human rights situations, drafting reports, and supporting Human Rights Officers in their daily tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities aimed at supporting the OHCHR's mission. These duties include, but are not limited to: assisting in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding human rights situations in the Middle East; preparing reports and documents related to human rights issues; conducting research and drafting individual cases of alleged human rights violations; responding to requests for information about human rights situations; updating country profiles and briefing packages; attending meetings and side-events related to human rights; taking minutes during meetings; and performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and the needs of the team.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent). It is preferred that candidates have a background in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Importantly, applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in the program, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a university degree program, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. The focus should ideally be in areas related to law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or similar fields. The internship is designed for those who are in their final year of study or have recently completed their degree, ensuring that interns have a solid academic foundation relevant to the work they will be undertaking.

Experience:
This internship does not require any prior professional work experience, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain valuable exposure to the workings of the United Nations and the field of human rights. The emphasis is on academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in human rights and international relations rather than on previous employment history.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this internship, as these are essential for effective communication within the UN framework. Additionally, working knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the official working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another language from the Middle East region is also desirable, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse communities and contexts.

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 prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible to all qualified candidates.