Intern in Senior Human Rights Advisor Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is located within the Senior Human Rights Advisor (SHRA) Unit of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Kigali, Rwanda. The SHRA Unit operates under the operational and thematic guidance of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The mission of the SHRA Unit is to coordinate, support, and provide enabling services to ensure that the UN Country Team (UNCT) offers optimal support to the government and other partners, including national human rights institutions and civil society, in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The SHRA Unit plays a crucial role in promoting all human rights as a common UN value and upholding international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The intern will support the Human Rights Adviser and report directly to the designated supervisor. The role involves conducting research and analysis on human rights issues in Rwanda and the region, assisting in drafting reports, briefing notes, and background papers, and supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and human rights events. The intern will also contribute to communication outputs, including social media and advocacy materials, and provide administrative and logistical support to the office. This position is designed to provide practical experience in the field of human rights within the context of the United Nations, allowing the intern to engage with various stakeholders and gain insights into the workings of international human rights mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the assigned officer, the intern may be responsible for the following duties: conducting research and analysis on human rights issues in Rwanda and the region; assisting in drafting reports, briefing notes, and background papers; supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and human rights events; contributing to communication outputs, including social media and advocacy materials; providing administrative and logistical support to the office; and performing other duties as required. This role is integral to the functioning of the SHRA Unit and offers a unique opportunity to engage with pressing human rights issues.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, Master's, PhD, or equivalent. Additionally, applicants must be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also essential.

Educational Background:
Preferred areas of study include Human Rights, Law (International Law, Human Rights Law, or related fields), International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Development Studies), Peace and Conflict Studies, or Transitional Justice. Applicants should be pursuing or have completed studies in one of these fields to align with the internship's focus on human rights and international relations.

Experience:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship being applied for is required. This means that while prior work experience is not mandatory, relevant academic background is crucial for the role.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another UN language would be desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training) and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.