Intern - Media Outreach & Spokesperson's Office

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat Department of the United Nations, established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms. The OHCHR is dedicated to enhancing equality, countering discrimination, combating impunity, and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. It plays a vital role in integrating human rights into development and economic spheres, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence, and insecurity. The organization operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to promote and protect human rights.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Media Outreach & Spokesperson's Office (MOSO) of the OHCHR, which is responsible for engaging with the media and promoting the messaging of the High Commissioner and the Office. The intern will work under the guidance of the Chief of Section/Spokesperson and report to the Deputy Spokesperson or the Public Information Officer. The internship is designed to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, allowing them to contribute to the mission of the OHCHR. The internship is unpaid and full-time, with a duration of three to six months, starting from August 16, 202

• Interns are expected to have a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals from various 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 researching current human rights issues to aid media and public information outreach. Specific duties may involve conducting media monitoring, compiling daily media clippings of news coverage related to the Office, assisting in the preparation of materials for press conferences and bi-weekly press briefings, helping set up and run events, researching and providing material for various media platforms, assisting in speech preparation, and performing other related tasks as requested by the supervisor.

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) or have completed such a degree. Preferred fields of study include law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences, or related areas. No prior work experience is required, but applicants should possess skills or knowledge that would benefit the United Nations during their internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant academic degree, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree in fields related to law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, or social sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the work of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that would contribute to their effectiveness in the role. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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 considered an asset, and familiarity with another United Nations official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous.

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 at any stage of the recruitment process.