Internship at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights, established to promote and protect all human rights for all people. The OHCHR was founded to empower individuals to realize their rights and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring their implementation. The organization operates globally, with a mission to address human rights issues and provide support to various human rights mechanisms. The Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB) and the Universal Periodic Review Branch (UPRB) are two key components of the OHCHR, focusing on different aspects of human rights advocacy and monitoring.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to engage with the work of the Human Rights Council Branch or the Universal Periodic Review Branch within the OHCHR. Interns will be involved in various tasks that support the mission of the OHCHR, which includes the protection of human rights and the empowerment of individuals. The internship is expected to last between 3 to 6 months, with candidates required to be available on short notice. Interns will gain exposure to the workings of the UN and the specific functions of the branches they are assigned to, contributing to reports, data analysis, and other essential tasks that support the OHCHR's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse range of responsibilities depending on their assigned branch. For the Human Rights Council Branch, duties may include drafting daily notes of proceedings, assisting in finalizing draft reports, preparing statistical reports on the Council's activities, contributing to analysis of trends affecting the Council's work, and assisting in outreach activities. For the Universal Periodic Review Branch, interns may assist in drafting sections of UPR reports, managing communication tasks, preparing pre-session documents, and conducting thematic research. Interns will also be expected to attend meetings, take notes, and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate skills in research, analysis, and drafting human rights documents. Proficiency in data collection and analysis is also desirable. Familiarity with standard MS software applications, including MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, as well as tools for creating infographics, is beneficial. Additionally, candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree) or be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent). Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social science, or related areas. Academic knowledge in human rights and international human rights mechanisms is highly desirable.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should ideally have some background or coursework related to human rights, international relations, or relevant fields. Experience in research, analysis, or advocacy related to human rights issues will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of French, which is another working language of the United Nations, is also necessary. Proficiency in additional official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to be preferably in-person and full-time in Geneva, Switzerland, but can be adjusted to a full-time remote engagement based on the situation of successful candidates. Applicants should clearly indicate their current academic status, interest in human rights issues, and specific motivations for applying. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all candidates.