Internship at OHCHR

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat Department of the United Nations, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, 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 organization operates in various countries worldwide, engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders to uphold human rights standards.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based in the Humanitarian Action Unit within the emergency-response-section" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Emergency Response Section of OHCHR. The unit is responsible for supporting the engagement of OHCHR leadership in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, which is mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182 to enhance collective humanitarian action. The intern will assist in formulating policies, setting strategic priorities, and mobilizing resources to respond to humanitarian crises. The role offers a unique opportunity for students from various academic backgrounds to gain hands-on experience in the workings of the United Nations, particularly in the context of humanitarian action and human rights. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with an initial duration of three months, extendable up to six months upon approval.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will report to the Coordinator of the Humanitarian Action Unit and will be involved in various tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the development of policies and strategies related to humanitarian action; supporting the coordination of OHCHR's response to humanitarian crises; engaging with field presences to enhance organizational effectiveness; participating in meetings and discussions within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues in humanitarian contexts; preparing reports and documentation; and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. The intern is expected to demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s degree or equivalent) or in the final year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. Alternatively, applicants may have already graduated with a relevant university degree. Candidates should exhibit a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and possess the ability to engage with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program or a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian action and human rights.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in human rights and humanitarian issues. Any relevant volunteer work, internships, or academic projects related to these fields will be considered advantageous. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, thus formal work experience may not be a prerequisite.

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, and familiarity with another United Nations official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous but not mandatory.

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 secure 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 a fair and transparent selection process.