Intern - Business and Human Rights Section

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 globally. The organization operates in various countries around the world, working towards the realization of human rights for all individuals. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advocating for human rights and providing support to governments and civil society in implementing human rights standards. The organization is committed to empowering individuals and communities to claim their rights and to hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Business and Human Rights Section at OHCHR is designed to support the organization's mission of protecting human rights for all people. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall objectives of the section. The role is particularly focused on research and analysis of thematic and regional issues related to business and human rights. Interns will be expected to draft and summarize reports, prepare documentation for meetings, seminars, and workshops, and provide general support to the section and other OHCHR units as needed. This internship 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 vary based on the activities of the assigned work unit and the intern's qualifications. Key duties include: conducting research and analysis on a wide range of thematic and regional issues relevant to the Business and Human Rights Section; drafting and summarizing reports and background materials; preparing documentation for meetings, seminars, and workshops; servicing meetings by taking notes and drafting reports; and performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor. Interns may also be called upon to support other units within OHCHR, thereby gaining broader exposure to the organization's work.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the UN Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or business administration management. While no prior work experience is required, relevant experience in the aforementioned fields is desirable. Candidates should possess skills and knowledge that would benefit the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong educational background, ideally with a focus on law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or business administration management. Enrollment in a graduate programme or completion of a bachelor's degree is essential for eligibility. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the internship, ensuring that interns can effectively contribute to the work of the Business and Human Rights Section.

Experience:
While no specific work experience is required for this internship, any relevant experience in the fields of law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or business administration management is considered advantageous. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, contributing to the mission of OHCHR.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language. Additionally, proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, and familiarity with other United Nations languages is considered beneficial.

Additional Notes:
Interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. All costs 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial burdens.