Intern, Information and Evidence Management

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations 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 situations of conflict, violence, and insecurity. The organization operates globally, with a mission to protect and promote human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based in the Information System and Digital Support Section (ISDSS) of the Human Rights Inquiries Branch (HRIB) at OHCHR in Geneva, Switzerland. The intern will work under the general guidance of the Head of the Branch and will coordinate with the ISDSS to support various projects related to digital evidence handling and online open-source investigation. The internship is designed to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, allowing them to contribute to significant human rights investigations. The assignment is expected to last between three to six months, starting from November 2026 to March 2027, and is unpaid, requiring a full-time commitment. Interns are expected to demonstrate a keen interest in the UN's work and a commitment to its ideals, as well as the ability to interact effectively with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support OHCHR in its mission to protect human rights and empower individuals to realize their rights. Daily responsibilities may include assisting with coordination activities related to digital data/evidence collection, processing, analysis, review, preservation, and open-source investigation support for human rights investigations. Specific duties may involve conducting substantive research and analysis of technology trends and applications related to digital data handling, developing online training materials and modules, assisting senior staff in providing expert support to commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions, facilitating the implementation of modern investigative technical tools, ensuring proper application of digital forensic principles, and performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in fields such as information and telecommunication technology, computer science, digital forensic science, data science, analytics, statistics, information management, or a related area. Professional work experience is not required for participation in the programme, making it accessible to students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Applicants must have a relevant educational background, either being enrolled in or having completed a graduate or first-level university degree in areas pertinent to the internship. This includes fields such as information technology, computer science, digital forensics, data science, and related disciplines. The educational requirement ensures that interns possess the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the OHCHR's mission.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required to apply for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and a commitment to the ideals of the United Nations. The internship is particularly suited for students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and digital evidence management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable.