Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat department established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms. The organization is dedicated to enhancing equality, combating discrimination, and ensuring accountability and the rule of law. It operates globally, focusing on integrating human rights into development and economic spheres, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection in situations of conflict and violence. The OHCHR consists of three branches and supports the Human Rights Council (HRC) and its mechanisms, as well as ten human rights treaty bodies. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs, while also promoting geographic diversity.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations through their service within Secretariat entities. The intern will be part of the Civil Society Team within the Office of the Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD). The internship is expected to start on 2 February 2026 and will last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for a total of six months, subject to supervisor approval. The intern will support the OHCHR in its mission to protect human rights for all people, empower individuals to realize their rights, and assist those responsible for upholding these rights. Daily responsibilities will include supporting the work of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies, facilitating NGO-related meetings, reviewing NGO written statements, maintaining databases, conducting research, and contributing to outreach initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include assisting in the support of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, facilitating the organization of meetings related to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), reviewing written statements submitted by NGOs, preparing notes and statistics, maintaining relevant databases and webpages, drafting correspondence, conducting research, collecting and disseminating information, contributing to outreach initiatives, attending to queries from the Director and Branch Chiefs, facilitating internal information exchange, assisting in the dissemination of information about human rights mechanisms, undertaking research on relevant issues, and collaborating with other Divisions and UN agencies. The intern will also perform other related duties as appropriate, ensuring a comprehensive engagement with the work of the Division.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master’s degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent). The field of study should preferably be in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience, but they must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Proof of meeting these criteria must be provided with the application.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. Programme. It is essential to provide proof of enrollment or graduation as part of the application process. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus area, and applicants must explain how they meet this criterion using relevant examples.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for participation in the UN Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This allows individuals to gain practical experience and exposure to the workings of the United Nations without the prerequisite of prior professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in 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 desirable. Additionally, knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial barriers.