Internship with the Civic Space Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department within the United Nations Secretariat, 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. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to promote human rights and civic space. The OHCHR is committed to integrating human rights into development and economic policies, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection in situations of conflict and violence. The Civic Space Unit, part of the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space (RACS) Branch, focuses on enhancing participation and protecting civic space as outlined in the OHCHR's Management Plan.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Civic Space Unit of the OHCHR is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and civic engagement. Interns will have the opportunity to work on various projects aimed at supporting Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), monitoring civic space, and mainstreaming civic protection within the UN system. The role involves engaging with key actors to develop strategies for responding to urgent situations affecting civic space, as well as contributing to the development of a monitoring framework to track trends related to HRDs. Interns will also assist in building public support for HRDs and enhancing visibility for their work. This position is ideal for those looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and civic engagement, while contributing to meaningful initiatives that impact communities worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for supporting the Civic Space Unit in various capacities, including but not limited to:

• Assisting in mapping out protection practices for Human Rights Defenders and supporting pilot country projects.
• Engaging with regional and national stakeholders to promote protection hubs and share best practices.
• Contributing to the development of strategies for timely responses to threats against civic space.
• Aiding in the monitoring of civic space trends and the situation of HRDs, including data collection and analysis.
• Supporting the mainstreaming of civic space and protection efforts within the UN system by mapping policies and practices.
• Helping to raise public awareness and understanding of the role of HRDs and the importance of civic space.
• Participating in meetings and discussions with various stakeholders to further the objectives of the Civic Space Unit.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be recent graduates or currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master's degree or equivalent) or a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in fields such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. While professional work experience is not required, a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in human rights and civic engagement are essential. Candidates should possess good analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team, and a commitment to the values of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be in the process of completing a relevant degree program. This includes recent graduates or current students in Master's or Bachelor's degree programs in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related fields. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of human rights issues and civic engagement.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or volunteer work that reflects their commitment to human rights and civic engagement. This internship is particularly suited for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language. Additionally, proficiency in other United Nations official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

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 secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the hiring office before accepting the internship offer. The duration of the internship is expected to be up to 6 months, providing ample opportunity for interns to engage deeply with the work of the Civic Space Unit.