Intern - Anti-Racial Discrimination Section

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key component of the United Nations, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, enhance equality, and counter discrimination. It plays a crucial role in combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. The organization is dedicated to integrating human rights into development and economic spheres, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The OHCHR operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity and inclusivity.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is within the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) of the Equality and Non-discrimination Branch (ENDB) at the OHCHR, located in Geneva, Switzerland. The intern will work under the guidance of a primary supervisor and will be involved in supporting various initiatives aimed at eliminating racial discrimination. This includes implementing international human rights standards and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The intern will engage in capacity-building efforts and contribute to the promotion, protection, prevention, and monitoring of issues related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance on a global scale. The role will also involve conducting research on contemporary issues such as hate speech, religious intolerance, and systemic racism, as well as providing secretariat support to six mechanisms focused on these critical areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of the UN's human rights standards related to racial discrimination. This includes conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing reports on issues of racial discrimination and intolerance. The intern will support capacity-building initiatives by preparing training materials and assisting in the organization of workshops and seminars. Additionally, the intern will help in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs aimed at combating racism and discrimination. The role may also involve liaising with various stakeholders, including States, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations, to promote collaboration and share best practices in addressing racial discrimination.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. While professional work experience is not required, applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and possess skills that would benefit the organization during the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong academic background, with a focus on areas relevant to human rights, law, political science, or social sciences. A Master's degree or equivalent is preferred, but candidates who are in their final year of a Bachelor's degree program may also apply. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human rights issues, particularly those related to racial discrimination.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. The ability to engage with diverse cultural backgrounds and a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations are essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN 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 requires a full-time commitment. The expected duration is three months, with the possibility of an additional three-month extension. The internship is expected to start in September or October 2026, with opportunities potentially continuing throughout 202

• Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.