Intern - Office of the Director of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department within the United Nations Secretariat, 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. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging in various activities aimed at integrating human rights into development and economic policies, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection in situations of conflict and insecurity. The OHCHR is committed to the protection of all human rights for all people and empowers individuals to realize their rights while assisting those responsible for upholding these rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide support to the Office of the Director of the Thematic and Special Procedures (TSP) Division within the OHCHR. The intern will play a crucial role in programme management and will provide substantive support to the Director on various thematic issues. The internship is expected to last between 3 to 6 months, during which the intern will engage in activities that contribute to the OHCHR's mission of promoting and protecting human rights. The intern will be involved in tasks such as annual work planning, resource management, budget processes, and thematic analysis, ensuring that the OHCHR's objectives are met effectively and efficiently. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and to contribute to meaningful human rights initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Director and the team within the TSP Division. Key duties will involve providing timely assistance in areas related to annual work planning, resource management, and budget processes. The intern will contribute to the preparation and monitoring of workplans and reporting tools, ensuring that information is compiled coherently and updated regularly. Additionally, the intern will assist in preparing and reviewing thematic and programmatic inputs for reports, as well as substantive and budget briefing notes. Coordination with various branches and sections will be essential, which may involve taking meeting notes, preparing summaries, and following up on agreed actions. The intern will also support information and knowledge management by updating shared folders, databases, and internal platforms to maintain accessible information. Logistical and administrative support for meetings, travel, workshops, and consultations will also be part of the intern's responsibilities, including preparing agendas, invitations, and background materials, as well as note-taking during meetings. The intern may be required to perform other related duties as necessary to support the team's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school programme in fields such as Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or related subjects. This includes those pursuing a second university degree or equivalent (Master's or Ph.D. Programme) or those who have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme in the aforementioned fields (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for participation in the programme, the applicant's training, education, advanced coursework, or skills should be beneficial to the United Nations during the internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate programme in relevant fields such as Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or related subjects. Candidates should possess at least a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies, with a focus on areas that align with the OHCHR's mission and objectives. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or Ph.D. are also considered valuable for this position.

Experience:
The internship does not require any prior professional work experience. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The emphasis is on the applicant's educational background and skills that can contribute to the work of the OHCHR during the internship period.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and contribute to various tasks and responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated, meaning that they will not receive a salary for their work. All costs and arrangements 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 the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.