Internship at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (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, counter discrimination, combat impunity, and strengthen accountability and the rule of law. It integrates human rights into development and economic spheres, widens democratic space, and provides early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The OHCHR New York Office represents the High Commissioner at the United Nations headquarters and ensures the effective integration of human rights norms and standards into the work of various UN bodies. The office comprises several sections, including the Equality, Discrimination and Rule of Law Section, Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications and Outreach Section, Prevention and Sustaining Peace Section, and the Peace Mission Support Section. The OHCHR is committed to working for the protection of all human rights for all people and empowering individuals to realize their rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the OHCHR New York Office offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in human rights and international affairs. Interns will support the OHCHR in its mission to integrate human rights into the work of intergovernmental bodies at the United Nations. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in the field of human rights, allowing interns to engage with various UN processes and contribute to the organization's goals. Interns will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications and Outreach Section and/or a Human Rights Officer, gaining insights into the functioning of the UN and the role of human rights within it. The internship will focus on researching and analyzing international human rights trends, supporting the organization of meetings, and assisting in drafting documents and reports related to human rights initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: researching and analyzing international human rights trends and developments within intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council; preparing documents and written summaries as required; providing support for the organization of relevant meetings; gathering best practices, statistics, and data related to human rights discussions; assisting human rights officers with specific priority countries, regions, or thematic areas; taking notes during meetings; and drafting and editing various documents such as reports, position papers, statements, and outreach materials. Interns may also be required to attend relevant meetings, both in-person and virtual, to gain firsthand experience of the UN's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication, research, and analytical skills, and demonstrate reliability and collaboration in an international setting. While no prior experience is necessary, relevant coursework in human rights, law, international affairs, public administration, or communication is preferred. The ability to interact successfully in international environments is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this internship position, making it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and international relations.

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 an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
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 start date is flexible and will be agreed upon between the intern and the OHCHR. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.