Intern - Rights of Older Persons

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was established in 1993 with the mission to promote and protect human rights globally. The organization operates in various countries, working towards the realization of human rights for all individuals. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing human rights issues and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, including older persons. The organization is committed to fostering equality and non-discrimination, and it engages in various thematic and special procedures to address human rights violations.

Job Overview:
This internship is situated within the Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch (END) of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSP) at OHCHR, specifically working with the Older Persons Unit (OPU). The intern will report directly to a Human Rights Officer and will play a crucial role in supporting the team with various tasks related to human rights advocacy and reporting. The intern will be expected to engage in research and analysis on topics relevant to older persons' rights, assist in the preparation of communications materials, and help establish partnerships that further the mission of the unit. The role will also involve drafting reports, creating social media content, and supporting the organization of capacity-building workshops and training sessions. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining practical experience in human rights work, particularly in relation to older persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting thorough research and analysis on assigned topics related to the rights of older persons. They will support the organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops by preparing background materials, taking meeting notes, and summarizing discussions. The intern will assist in conceptualizing and writing projects and initiatives aimed at promoting the rights of older persons. Additionally, they will help design and organize various capacity-building training sessions and workshops. The intern will also be tasked with drafting human rights briefs, creating infographics, and producing other written materials that communicate the unit's objectives. Furthermore, the intern will be responsible for drafting social media posts and newsletters to disseminate information about the unit's activities and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed 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). Preferred fields of study include economics, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. Strong writing and research skills are essential for this position, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to create engaging social media content. Familiarity with graphic design, layout, and publication processes is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. The educational background should ideally be in areas such as economics, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or other related fields that provide a solid foundation for understanding human rights issues, particularly those affecting older persons.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights and advocacy work. Experience in research, writing, and communications, particularly in a human rights context, will be advantageous. Interns should be prepared to engage with complex issues and contribute to the team's efforts in promoting the rights of older persons.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable.