Human Rights Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld in accordance with international human rights standards. The organization operates in various countries around the world, with a focus on addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability. The OHCHR has a diverse workforce comprising numerous employees from different backgrounds, all committed to the mission of advancing human rights for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Job Overview:
The intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Human Rights Intern position at the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and eager to gain practical experience in this field. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative and Human Rights Officer, engaging in various activities that contribute to the understanding and promotion of human rights in the Southern African region. The role involves conducting substantive research and analysis on human rights issues, particularly from a gender perspective, and preparing analytical briefs and updates. The intern will also support the engagement of State parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) with human rights mechanisms, thereby strengthening national reporting and follow-up processes. This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the implementation of international human rights mechanisms and to engage with relevant stakeholders in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting in the preparation and organization of activities related to human rights themes and country-specific issues; conducting research and analysis on human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data; supporting activities that promote engagement with human rights mechanisms; collaborating with UN country teams on human rights matters; assisting in the implementation of outcomes from international human rights mechanisms; providing support for engagement with national and regional stakeholders; promoting human rights issues and ensuring their integration into various efforts and programs; assisting in the development and implementation of training programs in human rights and related fields; serving as a note-taker at meetings and drafting reports and communications; and performing other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be 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). The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of human rights issues and a commitment to promoting human rights.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. The focus should ideally be on areas such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, which are pertinent to the work of the OHCHR and the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While prior experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in human rights, research, or related fields will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and a proactive approach to their responsibilities, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources within the UN system.

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 South Africa 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 expected duration of the internship is six months, concluding in January 2026.