Intern - Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section

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 human rights globally. The organization operates with an independent mandate and engages with various stakeholders to mainstream human rights throughout the UN system. OHCHR has a significant presence in multiple countries, working to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in various contexts. The organization is committed to addressing economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) as part of its broader mission.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Section of OHCHR is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and wish to contribute to the promotion and protection of ESCR. The intern will play a vital role in supporting the section's thematic work, which includes conducting research and analysis, assisting in policy development, and providing logistical support to the team. The intern will report to a designated Human Rights Officer and will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including UN entities, civil society, and national human rights institutions, to advocate for the integration of ESCR in their work. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights and to contribute to meaningful projects that impact communities worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for providing substantive, organizational, and logistical assistance to the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Section. This includes conducting research on economic, social, and cultural rights issues, assisting in the preparation of reports and policy documents, and supporting the High Commissioner's advocacy efforts on ESCR. The intern will also help coordinate meetings, workshops, and events related to ESCR, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the intern may be involved in monitoring and analyzing developments in the field of human rights, particularly concerning ESCR, and contributing to the section's overall strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related subject (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related subject (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Knowledge in the field of human rights, particularly on economic, social, and cultural rights, is desirable. Proficiency in standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on human rights, law, international relations, or development.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the work of OHCHR, particularly in the area of economic, social, and cultural rights.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, knowledge of an official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated 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 essential for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.