Internship in Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The UN has a presence in numerous countries, working to address global challenges and foster international collaboration.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide valuable experience in the field of human rights, specifically focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the understanding and promotion of human rights issues. The role involves assisting Desk Officers in various tasks, including research, drafting reports, and preparing documents related to human rights violations. Interns will gain insights into the workings of the United Nations and the complexities of international human rights advocacy. The internship is available on a full-time basis and can be conducted either remotely or in-person, allowing for flexibility in how candidates choose to engage with the work. The expected duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, providing interns with ample time to immerse themselves in the responsibilities and gain substantial experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to: assisting Desk Officers in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding human rights situations in the Middle East and North Africa; preparing reports, documents, and other written materials; researching and drafting individual cases of alleged human rights violations; supporting Desk Officers in responding to information requests; preparing and updating country profiles and briefing packages; assisting in the preparation of thematic documents on human rights issues; taking minutes of meetings; attending side-events, Human Rights Council sessions, Treaty Bodies reviews, and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) reviews; and performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. This role is integral to the functioning of the team and the promotion of human rights in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong competencies as a team player, showing reliability, communication skills, and a commitment to supporting colleagues in their mission to promote and protect human rights. The ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, along with a commitment to upholding human rights principles. Candidates should possess a collaborative spirit and be willing to engage actively in team efforts.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). This educational background is crucial as it ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the issues they will be dealing with during the internship.

Experience:
No prior experience is necessary for this internship position. However, candidates with relevant coursework in fields such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related areas are preferred. The organization is open to a broad range of project and research experience backgrounds, allowing for a diverse pool of candidates to apply and contribute to the work.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the Arabic language is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with specific human rights issues in the region.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require any information regarding applicants’ bank accounts. The internship is designed to provide valuable experience and insights into the workings of the United Nations and the field of human rights.