Internship - Human Rights Office of the Director, Civil Society Team

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key 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 operates through various branches and divisions, including the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, which supports the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, as well as the ten human rights treaty bodies. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and employs staff based on qualifications and organizational needs, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. The OHCHR is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and plays a crucial role in addressing human rights issues worldwide.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located within the Office of the Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD), specifically in the Civil Society Team. This team is responsible for facilitating civil society engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. The intern will work under the overall direction of the Special Assistant to the Director of Division and report directly to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work team. The internship is designed to provide individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, allowing them to contribute to the mission of the OHCHR, which is to protect human rights for all people and empower individuals to realize their rights. The intern will be expected to assist in various tasks related to the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, as well as support civil society's engagement with these bodies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include supporting the work of the Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and Treaty Bodies, as well as facilitating the organization of non-governmental organizations (NGO) related meetings. The intern will assist in reviewing NGO written statements submitted to the Human Rights Council, preparing notes and statistics, and maintaining relevant databases and webpages. Other tasks may involve drafting correspondence, conducting research, collecting and disseminating information, contributing to outreach initiatives, and attending to queries from the Director and Branch Chiefs. The intern will also facilitate internal information exchange and coordination on relevant human rights mechanisms, assist in disseminating information about the work of human rights mechanisms, and undertake research on issues pertinent to the Division's work. Additionally, the intern may assist with collaborative activities organized with other Divisions and UN agencies.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be either a graduate or 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). A field of study closely related to the internship is required, and applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. While professional work experience is not required, applicants should provide examples of how they meet the educational criteria. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be necessary at a later stage of the application process.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be a student in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed one of these degrees. The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related areas. It is essential for applicants to explain how their educational background aligns with the internship's focus and to provide supporting documentation as needed.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for participation in the UN Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a field of study that is closely related to the internship they are applying for. This allows individuals to gain practical experience while contributing to the work of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required for this internship, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable. Additionally, proficiency in another United Nations official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be considered an advantage, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for a total of six months, subject to supervisor approval. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.