Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat Department 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 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, engaging with various stakeholders including States, national human rights institutions, civil society, and the United Nations system to implement human rights standards and eliminate racial discrimination.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for individuals who are keen to gain exposure to the work of the United Nations, particularly within the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) of the Equality and Non-discrimination Branch (ENDB). The intern will work under the guidance of a primary supervisor and will be involved in supporting the implementation of international human rights standards aimed at eliminating racial discrimination. This includes conducting research on contemporary issues such as hate speech, religious intolerance, and systemic racism. The intern will also assist in capacity-building efforts and the promotion and protection of human rights, contributing to the UN's mission of fostering equality and combating discrimination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks including conducting research on issues related to racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance. They will assist in the preparation of reports and thematic advice for States and civil society. The intern will also support the monitoring of human rights situations and contribute to the development of capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the intern may be involved in organizing events, workshops, and meetings related to the UN's human rights agenda, providing logistical support and ensuring effective communication among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master's degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of 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, relevant training, education, or advanced coursework that can benefit the UN during the internship is encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the UN's work and a commitment to its ideals.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that interns can effectively contribute to the work of the OHCHR and understand the complexities of human rights issues.

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. This opportunity is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. 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. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in the diverse environment of the United Nations.

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. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those 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 prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.