Intern, Talent Attraction and Outreach

Intern, Talent Attraction and Outreach

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

October 30, 2026December 1, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Established to uphold the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the organization plays a pivotal role in advocating for human rights, empowering individuals, and assisting governments in preventing abuses. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging with diverse populations to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld. The UN Human Rights office is committed to integrating human rights perspectives into all UN programs, thereby reinforcing the interconnectedness of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, development, and human rights.

Job Overview:
The intern will be part of the Recruitment Unit within the Human Resources Management Section of OHCHR, which is focused on enhancing the organization's talent attraction and outreach strategies. This role is crucial in supporting the recruitment process by sourcing candidates, maintaining candidate pipelines, and contributing to employer branding efforts. The intern will work closely with the Associate Human Resources Officer and will be involved in various initiatives aimed at attracting a diverse pool of candidates. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the recruitment processes of a major international organization and to contribute to meaningful human rights work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting talent sourcing and outreach activities across multiple platforms and databases. Key duties include assisting in the attraction of diverse candidate pools through targeted outreach initiatives, maintaining candidate pipelines or rosters, and contributing to the development of employer branding and talent attraction strategies. The intern will also support colleagues in other recruitment-related initiatives and perform additional tasks as required, which may include drafting communications and engaging with potential candidates.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly the MS Office Suite, and familiarity with creative tools such as Canva or Adobe Photoshop is desirable. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in multicultural teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to human resources, international relations, or a similar discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While no prior professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that pertains to human resources, recruitment, or human rights. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of the UN, making it suitable for students or recent graduates looking to gain insight into international human rights and recruitment processes.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial barriers.
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