Intern - Child and Youth Rights Team

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights, established to promote and protect human rights globally. OHCHR operates with an independent mandate and works in various countries to ensure the respect for human rights, including the rights of children and youth. The organization collaborates with rights holders and duty bearers to enhance the understanding and implementation of human rights standards. OHCHR has a significant presence in multiple countries and engages in various activities to advance human rights policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Child and Youth Rights Team at OHCHR, where the intern will play a crucial role in supporting the team’s mission to promote and protect the rights of children and youth. The intern will report directly to the Unit Coordinator and the responsible Human Rights Officer, providing assistance in both substantive and organizational aspects of the team's work. The intern's responsibilities will include conducting research on child and youth rights issues, drafting documents such as reports and talking points, and supporting the development of key messages related to these issues. Additionally, the intern will assist in organizing events and activities, contributing to outreach efforts, and developing child-friendly communication materials. This internship offers a unique opportunity to engage with critical human rights issues and gain valuable experience in a UN environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: conducting substantive research on child and youth rights issues; drafting various types of documents, including reports and talking points; supporting the development of key messages on child and youth rights; assisting in the organization of events and activities, including notetaking; contributing to improving human rights outreach through the development of child-friendly communication materials; managing web and content management tasks; and performing other activities as required by the Child and Youth Rights Team. The intern will need to demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a heavy workload while meeting tight deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related subject (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related subject (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s, or Ph.D. Programme or have completed such programs. Knowledge in human rights and/or child and youth rights is desirable, along with strong analytical and drafting skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a graduate program in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related field. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A higher degree such as a Master’s or Ph.D. is also acceptable, and proof of enrollment or completion must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While the internship does not require prior professional work experience, applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field. Experience in research, writing, and analysis related to human rights or child and youth rights is advantageous. The ability to synthesize information from various sources and draft clear, concise documents is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Additionally, working-level knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the team and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated for their work. 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. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.