Internship in the Global Operations Division

Internship in the Global Operations Division

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

June 3, 2026June 5, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a vital part of the UN Secretariat, established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and promote the protection of human rights globally. The OHCHR is dedicated to enhancing equality, combating discrimination, and ensuring accountability and the rule of law. It plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic policies, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection in conflict situations. The Methodology, Learning, Policy and Practice Section (MLPP) within OHCHR specializes in providing methodological guidance and policy development, responding to emerging needs, and promoting innovative approaches to support operational work. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to the values and ideals of the United Nations Charter.

Job Overview:
The internship is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is offered for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months, depending on performance and organizational needs. The intern will be placed within the MLPP team in the Global Operations Division, which provides policy advice and technical support on UN human rights frameworks. The role involves supporting the integration of human rights into UN policies and procedures, particularly in relation to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security forces. The intern will assist in organizing and delivering training sessions, conducting background research, preparing training materials, and managing communication products. Additionally, the intern will help create a library of multimedia resources, assist in producing knowledge-sharing materials, and support various outreach and learning activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's primary responsibilities will include:
  • Supporting the organization and delivery of training on security forces, which involves logistical arrangements, background research, preparation of training materials, and communication products. The intern will also manage the training platform and intranet site, coordinate with participants, and assist with post-training documentation and reporting.
  • Creating a library of videos and photographs that represent law enforcement practices for use in training exercises.
  • Assisting in the production of knowledge-sharing materials, briefings, and internal guidance documents. This includes updating and maintaining intranet or internal knowledge management platforms, digitizing and organizing documents and datasets, and supporting the organization of outreach or learning activities. The intern may also assist with document processing, data management, and event organization as required.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as human rights, international law, international relations, political science, public policy, governance, or security sector-related studies. While prior professional work experience is not required, relevant academic, research, or practical experience is considered an asset. Familiarity with human rights issues, experience working with security forces, or involvement in UN-related work or policy-oriented research will be advantageous. Applicants should also be proficient in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or in the final year of a bachelor's degree in fields related to human rights, international law, international relations, political science, public policy, governance, or security studies. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complex issues surrounding human rights and international relations.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, any relevant academic, research, or practical experience will be viewed favorably. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to human rights, security sector issues, or UN-related activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in the relevant fields and a demonstrated ability to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
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