Intern - Emergency Response

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. It plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic policies, widening democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The organization operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to uphold human rights standards and respond to humanitarian crises effectively.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is based in the Humanitarian Action Unit within the emergency-response-section" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Emergency Response Section of OHCHR. The intern will support the engagement of OHCHR leadership in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, which is mandated to enhance collective humanitarian action. The role involves formulating policies, setting strategic priorities, and mobilizing resources to respond to humanitarian crises. The intern will gain exposure to the workings of the United Nations and will be expected to demonstrate a keen interest in human rights and humanitarian action. The internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment, with an expected duration of three months, potentially extendable to six months, depending on performance and approval from the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for assisting in various tasks related to humanitarian action and emergency response. This includes supporting the coordination of OHCHR's engagement in humanitarian crises, contributing to the development of policies and strategic priorities, and assisting in resource mobilization efforts. The intern may also be involved in research and analysis related to human rights issues in humanitarian contexts, preparing reports, and facilitating communication between different stakeholders. Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing their understanding of human rights mechanisms and humanitarian action.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or 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. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and possess the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A demonstrated interest in human rights and humanitarian issues is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of an undergraduate program, with a focus on relevant fields such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. Alternatively, applicants who have already graduated with a relevant degree are also eligible to apply, provided they can commence the internship on the specified date in the Acceptance Letter.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant experience in human rights, humanitarian action, or related fields will be considered an asset. The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, so the focus will be on providing practical experience rather than requiring extensive professional background.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, and familiarity with another United Nations official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

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. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.