Intern - Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to foster international collaboration in addressing global challenges. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce that includes thousands of employees and interns from diverse backgrounds. The organization is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, welcoming applicants from various communities, including migrants and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
This internship is designed to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, specifically within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The intern will work under the guidance of the Head of the Secretariat and report directly to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. The internship is expected to last between three to six months, starting from June 2026 to November 2026, and is intended to be a full-time, in-person role, although adjustments may be made based on the successful candidate's needs. The intern will gain valuable experience in human rights advocacy and will be expected to demonstrate a keen interest in the UN's mission and values, as well as the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support the OHCHR in its mission to protect human rights for all people and empower individuals to realize their rights. Daily responsibilities may include assisting in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding human rights situations in the Middle East, preparing reports and documents, researching and drafting individual cases of alleged human rights violations, responding to requests for information, updating country profiles and briefing packages, taking minutes of meetings, and attending relevant sessions and events. The intern may also be tasked with performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the human rights work conducted by the OHCHR.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) or in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) at the time of application. The 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 internship programme, making it accessible for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant academic programme at the time of application. This includes being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree or enrolled in a Master's degree programme. The educational background should ideally be in fields related to law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, which are pertinent to the work of the United Nations and the specific duties of the internship.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required to apply for this internship. The programme is designed for students and recent graduates, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting while contributing to the mission of the United Nations. This makes the internship an excellent opportunity for those looking to start their careers in international relations or human rights advocacy.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this internship, as these are essential for effective communication within the UN Secretariat. Additionally, working knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the official working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another language from the Middle East region is also desirable, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse communities and contexts.

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 before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to 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.