Intern - Special Procedures Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department within the UN Secretariat, established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and promote the protection of human rights globally. The OHCHR was created to enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. It 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 Special Procedures Branch (SPB) of the OHCHR was established in 2006 through the UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which created the Human Rights Council (HRC). The SPB is responsible for thematic research, policy development, and human rights mainstreaming across the UN system, and it supports independent human rights experts appointed by the HRC. The OHCHR operates globally, with a mission to raise awareness about human rights and empower individuals to realize their rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and wish to gain practical experience in a dynamic international environment. The intern will work under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch and report directly to the Special Procedure Media Officer. The primary focus of the internship is to support the OHCHR in its mission to promote and protect human rights worldwide. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the visibility and understanding of human rights issues, particularly through media and social media channels. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn about the operations of the UN, the functioning of the Human Rights Council, and the role of public information in human rights advocacy. The intern will be involved in monitoring media trends, analyzing social media topics, and assisting in the preparation of communications materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: contributing to media and social media monitoring; analyzing trends and topics on social media; selecting appropriate photos for use in communications; designing visual illustrations for social media posts; assisting in drafting social media content; attending sessions of the Human Rights Council and supporting the preparation of related activities and events; assisting in organizing press conferences; and performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. The intern will play a vital role in enhancing the public profile of the OHCHR and its initiatives, ensuring that human rights issues are effectively communicated to a broader audience.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) at the time of application. Preferred fields of study include communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related disciplines. Candidates must also be able to commence the internship on the date specified in the acceptance letter if selected.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be in the process of completing a relevant academic degree. This includes being enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor's degree or being enrolled in or having completed a Master's degree or higher in fields such as communication, journalism, international relations, or public administration. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of the OHCHR.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in communication, media, or human rights advocacy will be considered an asset. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in the field of human rights, and thus, a strong interest in human rights issues and a willingness to engage in various tasks are essential.

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

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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. The internship is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of renewal for a combined total of six months, subject to approval by the supervisor. The position is not financially remunerated, and the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.