Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected and upheld, regardless of their background. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights and accountability. With a mission to empower individuals and assist governments in fulfilling their human rights obligations, OHCHR plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations and advocating for justice and equality.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at OHCHR is designed to provide support in the organization's mission to protect human rights for all individuals. Interns will work under the supervision of the Senior Human Rights Adviser (HRA) and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the understanding and promotion of human rights in Burundi and the surrounding region. The role is particularly focused on gathering and analyzing information related to human rights issues, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents, and supporting the HRA team in their research and drafting efforts. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of human rights while contributing to meaningful work that impacts the lives of individuals in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may include: compiling information on human rights issues, analyzing key topics, and collecting relevant documents; assisting the HRA and staff in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding the human rights situation in Burundi and the subregion; preparing reports, documents, and written materials related to Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) processes; conducting research and drafting documents on normative and institutional developments in human rights; responding to requests for information about the human rights situation; organizing activities as part of the HRA workplan; arranging meetings and taking minutes; and performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent, or higher). The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. It is important to note that applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in this internship program, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a relevant academic program at the time of application. This includes those in their final year of a Bachelor's degree or those pursuing a Master's degree or higher in fields related to human rights, law, political science, or social sciences. The internship is designed to complement academic learning with practical experience in the field of human rights.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. This makes it an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights and international relations. The focus is on providing a learning experience rather than requiring extensive prior experience.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of the other language is considered an asset. While knowledge of Kirundi or Kiswahili is not required, it is viewed as a beneficial addition to the candidate's skill set, particularly in the context of working in Burundi.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. Therefore, candidates should be prepared to cover their own expenses related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living costs. It is also important for interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Burundi to ensure they have the necessary visa and work authorization before starting the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.