Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the OHCHR operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to upholding the principles of human dignity and equality. The organization focuses on providing support to human rights mechanisms, conducting research, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders to foster a culture of respect for human rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to support the Dynamic Knowledge and Library Team within the UN Human Rights/OHCHR Global Operations Division. Interns will engage in various functions that contribute to the development and enhancement of the Human Rights Knowledge Gateway, which serves as a vital resource for thematic knowledge related to human rights. The role is multifaceted, with interns expected to contribute to research, content development, and the management of library resources. Interns will be assigned specific profiles—Library, Data Science, or Communications—each with tailored responsibilities that align with their academic background and skills. The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious international organization while contributing to meaningful human rights initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities depending on their assigned profile. For the Library profile, duties include daily management of library operations, cataloguing tasks, client interactions, and managing both physical and online collections. The Data Science intern will focus on automating tasks related to data classification, tagging, and information extraction. The Communications intern will assist in organizing knowledge-sharing events and creating communication materials. General responsibilities may also include assisting in the production of knowledge-sharing materials, updating intranet content, conducting research and reference queries, digitizing data, and supporting outreach activities. Interns are expected to be proactive and may be assigned additional tasks by their supervisor as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as library science, information science, knowledge management, human rights, law, or international relations. Alternatively, applicants who have recently graduated in these fields are also eligible, provided they commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, either currently enrolled in a graduate program or having recently graduated with a degree in library science, information science, knowledge management, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights information management and the operational needs of the OHCHR.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or volunteer work in libraries, information management, or human rights organizations will be considered an asset. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in an international setting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset 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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for candidates to discuss their visa requirements with the UN before accepting an internship offer. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.