Intern - Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat Department established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms. The organization is dedicated to enhancing equality, countering discrimination, combating impunity, and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. OHCHR integrates human rights into development and economic spheres, widens democratic spaces, and provides early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The organization operates globally, with a focus on various thematic issues related to human rights, and aims to empower individuals to realize their rights while assisting those responsible for upholding these rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch (DESC) of OHCHR, located in the Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSPD). The intern will support the branch's thematic work on civic space, the right to development, and related issues such as sustainable development, environment and climate change, economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR), business and human rights, and the rights of vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, children, youth, older persons, and migrants. The intern will report to the Chief of Branch and will be involved in various activities that contribute to the mission of OHCHR, which is to protect human rights for all people. The internship is set to begin on 01 July 2026 for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months, depending on performance and approval from the supervisor.

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 will include researching and analyzing a wide range of thematic issues related to the vision of a human rights economy, which is a flagship program of the branch. This may involve conducting research, providing analytical support for missions, meetings, seminars, and workshops, preparing documentation, drafting notes and reports, and assisting with collaborative efforts with other United Nations departments and agencies. The intern may also be required to perform other related duties as requested by the supervisor, including supporting other units within OHCHR as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in fields such as development economics, political economy, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. Additionally, selected candidates must be able to commence the internship on the specified date in the acceptance letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, which includes either a graduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programme, or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme. The preferred fields of study include development economics, political economy, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complex issues related to human rights and development.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of human rights issues, development economics, and related fields through their academic background or relevant internships. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the work of OHCHR, and who possess the analytical skills necessary to engage with complex thematic issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement for this internship. Additionally, knowledge of another United Nations official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the branch's work effectively.

Additional Notes:
Interns at the United Nations are not financially compensated. 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. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.