Human Rights Intern - Communications and Media Relations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the OHCHR operates in various countries around the world, working to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to upholding human dignity and advocating for justice and equality. The OHCHR's mission includes empowering individuals to realize their rights and assisting governments and other stakeholders in implementing human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Human Rights Intern in Communications and Media Relations will play a crucial role in supporting the OHCHR's mission by engaging in various public information activities. The intern will be involved in drafting articles for the OHCHR website and creating social media content to raise awareness about human rights issues. This position requires a proactive approach to researching current human rights topics, which will aid in the development of media outreach strategies. The intern will also maintain and update media mailing lists, conduct media monitoring, and compile clippings of news coverage related to the OHCHR's work. Additionally, the intern will assist in preparing materials for press conferences and help organize events, particularly those surrounding Human Rights Day. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights communications while working closely with experienced professionals in a dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include: - Drafting articles for the OHCHR website and creating engaging social media posts to promote human rights initiatives. - Conducting thorough research on current human rights issues to support media and public information outreach efforts. - Maintaining and updating comprehensive media mailing lists to ensure effective communication with stakeholders. - Conducting media monitoring to track coverage of the OHCHR's work, including the activities of Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs, and compiling relevant media clippings. - Assisting in the preparation of materials for press conferences, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. - Helping to set up and run events, particularly those related to Human Rights Day, to raise awareness and engage the public. - Assisting in researching and preparing material for speeches delivered by OHCHR representatives. - Performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor to support the overall mission of the office.

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) at the time of application. Alternatively, applicants may have completed one of these degrees. A field of study closely related to the internship is required, such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. While professional work experience is not mandatory, relevant academic background is essential. Applicants must also be prepared to commence the internship on the date specified in the acceptance letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), or enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. programme, or have completed such programmes. The educational background should ideally be in areas related to human rights, law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, which will provide a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background in a relevant field. The internship is designed for students who are in the final stages of their academic journey, allowing them to gain practical experience while still pursuing their education. This opportunity is particularly suited for those looking to enhance their understanding of human rights issues and communications within an international context.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application. Proficiency in multiple languages can be beneficial in a multicultural environment like the UN, where diverse communication is essential.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, meaning that interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.