Intern - Media Outreach & Spokesperson's Office

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 strengthen international human rights mechanisms. The OHCHR is dedicated to enhancing equality, countering discrimination, combating impunity, and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. It plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic spheres, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence, and insecurity. The organization operates globally, with a mission to protect and promote human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Media Outreach & Spokesperson's Office (MOSO) of the OHCHR, located in Geneva, Switzerland. The primary focus of this office is to engage with the media and promote the messaging of the High Commissioner and the Office through various media products, including speeches, news releases, and press briefings. Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public information outreach and will be involved in publicizing the work of the Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. The internship is designed to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the workings of the United Nations, allowing them to contribute to the mission of the OHCHR while developing their professional skills. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with an expected duration of three to six months, starting from April 1, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will support the OHCHR in its mission to protect human rights and empower individuals to realize their rights. Daily responsibilities may vary based on the intern's background but generally include conducting media monitoring, compiling daily media clippings, assisting in the preparation of materials for press conferences and briefings, setting up and running events, researching and providing material for various media platforms, and assisting in speech preparation. Interns may also be tasked with other related duties as requested by their supervisors, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the office's public information efforts.

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. Alternatively, applicants may have completed one of these degrees, preferably in fields such as law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences, or related areas. No prior work experience is required, but applicants should demonstrate how their education and skills can benefit the United Nations during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant academic degree, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree, in areas related to law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences, or similar fields. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the workings of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would contribute to their effectiveness in the role. The internship is designed for students and recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and public information.

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. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication within the diverse environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated 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 before starting the internship. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, 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.