Internship with UPR Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity focused on human rights. Established to promote and protect human rights globally, OHCHR works to empower individuals to realize their rights and assists states in upholding these rights. The organization operates in numerous countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to human rights advocacy and implementation. The Universal Periodic Review Branch (UPRB) is a part of OHCHR, specifically within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD).

Job Overview:
The internship is designed to provide practical experience within the Universal Periodic Review Branch (UPRB) of the OHCHR. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the UPR mechanism, which reviews the human rights records of all UN Member States every four and a half years. Interns will work under the guidance of the Chief of the UPR Branch and report to a Human Rights Officer. The role involves assisting with the preparation and servicing of country reviews, drafting reports, and supporting various administrative and research tasks. This internship is a unique opportunity to gain insight into international human rights mechanisms and contribute to the work of the UN in promoting human rights globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may vary depending on their background and the needs of the UPR Branch. Key duties include:

• Assisting in drafting sections of the UPR Working Group report and the UPR Outcome report under supervision.
• Supporting the management of secretariat tasks during UPR Working Group sessions, including compiling lists of delegations and drafting correspondence.
• Engaging with new communication and technology tools for hybrid sessions, drafting summaries, and conducting data research.
• Assisting in the preparation of UPR pre-session documents, including research and analysis of human rights information and trends.
• Indexing UPR recommendations and conducting thematic research into specific areas of UPR work.
• Preparing training materials and electronic content such as infographics and presentations.
• Participating in meetings and panels related to UPR activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree) or be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (Master's degree or higher) in fields such as law, political science, or international relations. Academic knowledge of human rights and international human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, is essential. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, and MS Teams, is required. Skills in data research, analysis, and graphic design are considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or be enrolled in a graduate program. Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, or related disciplines. Academic knowledge of human rights and international mechanisms is crucial for this role.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not mandatory, applicants must demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills. Experience in human rights, international relations, or related fields will be highly regarded, particularly knowledge of the UPR process and human rights mechanisms.

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 proficiency in another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous.

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 prior to accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.