Intern in the Environment and Climate Change Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates with a mission to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all aspects of international relations and governance. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance human rights mechanisms and support human rights defenders. OHCHR's work is crucial in integrating human rights into environmental policies, thereby addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Environment and Climate Change Unit at OHCHR is designed to provide support in various substantive areas related to human rights and environmental issues. The intern will be involved in conducting research, drafting reports, and assisting in the organization of events that focus on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. This role is pivotal in supporting OHCHR's engagement in meetings and consultations, monitoring scientific developments related to environmental crises, and coordinating information dissemination among colleagues and partners. The intern will report directly to an Associate/Human Rights Officer, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the UN and its approach to integrating human rights into environmental action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting research on the Environment and Climate Change Unit's substantive areas of work; supporting the drafting of reports, publications, newsletters, and briefings; assisting in the organization of events related to environmental rights; following and supporting OHCHR's engagement in meetings, consultations, and briefings; monitoring scientific evidence and developments regarding environmental crises and their human rights impacts; coordinating with OHCHR colleagues and partners; preparing for Human Rights Council mandated activities; and strengthening OHCHR's efforts to advance the right to a healthy environment at regional and country levels.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development, or a related field (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program in the same fields (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, a relevant field of study is essential. Knowledge in human rights and/or environmental issues is desirable, along with proficiency in standard software applications such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be provided with the application. This educational background ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the work of the Environment and Climate Change Unit.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in fields related to human rights, environmental studies, or international relations. This internship is particularly suited for individuals who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in a UN setting, and who have a demonstrated interest in the intersection of human rights and environmental issues.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to multilingual discussions.

Additional Notes:
This internship is designed to be in-person and has an expected duration of six months. Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. 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 prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.