Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department within the United Nations, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. It operates in various countries and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity in its recruitment processes and aims to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, specifically within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD). The intern will be part of the Civil Society Team, which focuses on engaging civil society with UN human rights mechanisms. The role is expected to start on July 27, 2026, and will last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months. The intern will report to the Human Rights Officer and will be involved in various tasks that support the OHCHR's mission to protect human rights for all people and empower individuals to realize their rights. This is an unpaid, full-time internship that requires a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include supporting the work of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies, assisting in organizing meetings related to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), reviewing NGO written statements, preparing notes and statistics, maintaining databases and webpages, drafting correspondence, conducting research, and disseminating information related to human rights mechanisms. The intern will also contribute to outreach initiatives, respond to queries from the Director and Branch Chiefs, facilitate internal communication, and assist in collaborative activities with other UN divisions and agencies. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, ensuring that the intern gains comprehensive experience in the workings of the UN and its human rights mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship, such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. Candidates must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in their final year of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such a program. Proof of enrollment or graduation must be provided at the time of application. The educational background should ideally be in areas relevant to the internship, such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, to ensure that the intern can effectively contribute to the work of the OHCHR.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, applicants should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This allows candidates to engage meaningfully with the tasks assigned and to benefit from the learning opportunities provided by the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable. Additionally, proficiency in another UN official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. 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. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application and selection process is free of charge.