Internship with 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 a key component of the United Nations Secretariat. Established to promote and protect human rights globally, OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. The organization plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic policies, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection in situations of conflict and violence. The OHCHR operates in various countries around the world, engaging with diverse stakeholders to uphold human rights standards and address violations.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide valuable experience within the Rule of Law and Democracy Section (ROLDS) of the OHCHR. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in various tasks that support the mission of the OHCHR, particularly in the areas of rule of law, equality, and non-discrimination. Interns will be expected to contribute to research, assist in the preparation of reports, and support the team in its efforts to promote human rights and democratic governance. The internship is intended for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the work of the United Nations, particularly in the context of human rights and democratic processes. The expected duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension to six months, and it is part of a broader initiative to build a pool of qualified candidates for future internship vacancies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting research on human rights issues, assisting in the drafting of reports and documents, supporting the organization of meetings and events, and engaging with stakeholders to gather information and insights. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions and contribute to the development of strategies aimed at enhancing the rule of law and promoting democratic governance. The role requires a proactive approach, with interns expected to take initiative in their work and collaborate effectively with team members and other departments within the OHCHR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They should be reliable, communicative, and committed to supporting the goals of the team. A demonstrated ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, as is a willingness to understand and respect differing opinions and views. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic and a commitment to the principles of human rights and equality.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). This educational background is essential to ensure that interns have the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of human rights issues.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, advanced coursework, or skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. This could include academic projects, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate a commitment to human rights and social justice.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be advantageous and could enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of extension to six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.