Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal United Nations entity responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Established to ensure that human rights are integrated into the UN system, the OHCHR operates with an independent mandate to advocate for the rights of all individuals. The organization works closely with governments to help them fulfill their human rights obligations and addresses violations of human rights globally. The OHCHR engages in research, training, public information, and advocacy to highlight and respond to current human rights challenges. It collaborates with a wide range of partners to promote and protect human rights across the globe. The OHCHR has a significant presence in various countries, including a regional office for West Africa based in Dakar, Senegal, where this internship will take place.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide support to the West Africa Regional Office (BRAO) of the OHCHR. Interns will work under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative and will be involved in substantial areas of the office's work. The role is intended for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of human rights, particularly in the context of West Africa. Interns will conduct research and analysis on human rights situations in West African countries, focusing on thematic issues such as civic space, rule of law, elections, and equality and non-discrimination. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preparation of country profiles, situation analyses, and reference documents, while also supporting monitoring and analysis of human rights trends in the region. Additionally, interns will assist in organizing activities, workshops, and consultations, providing logistical and substantive support, and contributing to communication and awareness-raising efforts through writing web content, social media contributions, newsletters, and visibility materials. The internship will also involve administrative tasks such as taking notes during meetings, preparing reports, and supporting general organizational duties. Overall, this internship aims to enhance the intern's understanding of human rights work and the operations of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting research and analysis on human rights situations in West African countries, focusing on various thematic issues. They will contribute to the preparation of country profiles, information notes, situation analyses, and reference documents. Interns will support the monitoring and analysis of human rights trends in the region and assist in the preparation and follow-up of activities, workshops, and consultations organized by the BRAO. This includes providing logistical and substantive support for these events. Additionally, interns will engage in communication and awareness-raising activities, which may involve writing web content, contributing to social media, and creating newsletters and visibility materials. They will also take notes during meetings, prepare reports, and assist with general administrative and organizational tasks as required by their supervisor. Interns may be asked to undertake any other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for the United Nations internship program, candidates must either hold a graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program (such as a master's degree or equivalent) or hold an undergraduate degree or be in the final year of such a program (such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates must also have a strong understanding of international human rights law. While no professional experience is required to participate in the program, prior experience in human rights at the national and/or international level is desirable. Experience in human rights monitoring is also considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program, or hold an undergraduate degree or be in the final year of such a program, preferably in fields such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. A solid understanding of international human rights law is essential for this position.

Experience:
No professional experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates with prior experience in human rights, particularly in monitoring or advocacy roles, will be viewed favorably. This internship is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights, and thus, a willingness to learn and engage with the subject matter is crucial.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. A perfect command of French, both spoken and written, is required for this internship. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements for 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 Senegal 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. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training.