Migration and Human Rights Intern

Migration and Human Rights Intern

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

August 19, 2026September 1, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to advancing human rights standards and ensuring accountability. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to uphold the principles enshrined in international human rights law.

Job Overview:
The Migration and intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Human Rights Intern will play a crucial role in supporting OHCHR's mission to promote and protect the rights of individuals affected by migration. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and migration governance. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the organization's efforts in advocating for a human rights-based approach to migration. The role will involve research, analysis, and the preparation of various documents that inform OHCHR's work in this area. The intern will also assist in organizing meetings and events, thereby gaining valuable experience in the field of human rights and migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include researching and analyzing migration and human rights issues, drafting reports and briefing notes, and supporting the preparation of OHCHR inputs for migration-related processes. The intern will prepare documentation for meetings, consultations, and workshops, and contribute to communication and outreach efforts related to migration and human rights. Additionally, the intern will assist with web content management and other knowledge-sharing activities, ensuring that the information is accessible and effectively communicated. The intern may also be tasked with other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, providing a comprehensive learning experience in the field.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific educational requirements, including enrollment in or completion of a graduate program in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related field. Alternatively, applicants may qualify by being in the final academic year of a first university degree program in the aforementioned fields. While professional work experience is not mandatory for this internship, a relevant field of study is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize information, and proficiency in drafting clear and concise documents. Organizational and coordination skills are also critical to manage the workload effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program in a relevant field such as Law, International Relations, Political Science, or Development. The educational background should align closely with the internship's focus on migration and human rights, ensuring that the intern has the necessary theoretical foundation to contribute meaningfully to the organization's work.

Experience:
While prior professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that relates to migration and human rights. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and gain insights into the workings of an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship. Additionally, working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an advantage, as it enhances the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to OHCHR's multilingual communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates 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 visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.
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