Intern in Women Human Rights and Gender Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations, specifically under the Women Human Rights and Gender Section (WHRGS) of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch (ROLENDB). The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and missions in various countries, focusing on a wide range of issues including human rights, development, and humanitarian assistance. The WHRGS was established in 2007 to specifically address women's human rights and gender integration across all areas of the UN's activities, working to ensure that gender equality is a fundamental aspect of the UN's mission.

Job Overview:
The intern will work under the general guidance of a primary supervisor within the Women Human Rights and Gender Section (WHRGS) in Geneva. This role is crucial for supporting the UN's efforts to protect and promote women's human rights and gender equality. The intern will be involved in various activities aimed at highlighting and addressing discriminatory laws and policies that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. The position requires a proactive approach to promoting gender integration across the UN's planning and programs. Interns will assist in the development of thematic reports, statements, and tools related to women's human rights and gender equality, as well as participate in training and capacity-building initiatives. The role also involves facilitating dialogue among stakeholders and building networks with experts and civil society organizations, including women human rights defenders, to advance the women's human rights agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include assisting in the preparation of reports and documents related to women's human rights and gender issues, conducting research on relevant topics, and supporting the organization of meetings and events. The intern will also help in the development of training materials and participate in capacity-building sessions. Engaging with stakeholders and contributing to discussions on gender equality and women's rights will be key aspects of the role. The intern may also be tasked with administrative duties, such as maintaining records and assisting in the coordination of activities within the section.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent). A focus on law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related fields, particularly with an emphasis on gender issues, is preferred. Importantly, applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in this internship program, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either a Master's degree or being enrolled in a graduate program, or being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program. The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines, especially those that focus on gender-related issues. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of women's human rights and gender equality.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. This makes it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and gender issues. The internship is designed to provide valuable exposure to the workings of the United Nations and the specific challenges related to women's rights and gender equality.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. 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 before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.