Intern - Human Rights Council Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was established in 1993 with the mission to promote and protect human rights for all people. The organization operates globally, with a focus on ensuring that human rights are upheld and respected in various contexts. OHCHR works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to empower individuals and communities to realize their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to promoting equality and non-discrimination in its operations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Human Rights Council Branch at OHCHR is designed to support the organization's mission of protecting human rights globally. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the functioning of the Human Rights Council, which is a key body within the UN system responsible for addressing human rights issues worldwide. The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on their background and skills, but they will primarily involve drafting notes of proceedings, collecting and organizing documents, assisting in report preparation, and analyzing trends affecting the Council's work. This role provides an opportunity for interns to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and to contribute to meaningful initiatives that promote justice and equality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be tasked with a range of responsibilities that are crucial to the operations of the Human Rights Council. These include drafting daily notes of proceedings for information sharing, collecting and filing documents related to agenda items, assisting in the finalization of draft reports, and preparing statistical reports on the Council's work. Interns will also contribute to the analysis of trends affecting the Council's operations and make suggestions for improvements. Additional duties may involve preparing draft summaries of communications, assisting in the preparation of meetings, following up on activities organized by the Office and NGOs, and drafting media highlights. Interns will also be expected to assist with outreach activities and respond to queries from non-governmental organizations, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program at the United Nations Secretariat, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school program, such as a Master's degree or equivalent, or be in the final academic year of a Bachelor's degree program. Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related areas. Importantly, applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in the program, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree or be enrolled in a degree program relevant to the internship. This includes those pursuing a Master's degree or those in their final year of a Bachelor's degree program. The focus should ideally be on disciplines that relate to human rights, law, political science, or international relations, as these areas provide a foundational understanding necessary for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights issues and a commitment to the values of the United Nations. This can be shown through academic achievements, volunteer work, or involvement in relevant extracurricular activities. The internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the field of human rights without the need for extensive prior experience.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be advantageous and could enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last between 3 to 6 months, and it is important to note that interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job applications.