Human Rights Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, including Cambodia, to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms. The organization works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to uphold human rights standards and address violations. With a mission to empower people and support the implementation of human rights, OHCHR plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of respect for human rights worldwide.

Job Overview:
The intern" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Human Rights Intern position at OHCHR in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and eager to contribute to the organization's mission. The intern will support OHCHR in its efforts to protect human rights for all individuals, assist in empowering people to realize their rights, and aid those responsible for upholding these rights. The role involves a variety of tasks that may change based on the intern's background and the needs of the office. Interns will engage in activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights projects, which may include drafting official documents, conducting research, compiling data, and summarizing meetings. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights while working closely with experienced professionals in a dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: assisting with coordination activities related to human rights projects; drafting and preparing official documents; conducting thematic, legal, and internet research; compiling data and statistics; attending and summarizing conferences and meetings; providing assistance during conferences and workshops; drafting presentations and speeches; conducting media analysis; and performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor. The intern will be expected to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the OHCHR Cambodia country office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) 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 essential. The ability to conduct research and draft reports is desirable, and a legal background or skills are considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a strong academic background, either having completed or currently enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of an undergraduate program. The field of study should be relevant to human rights, international relations, law, or a related discipline. Proof of enrollment or completion of the required educational qualifications must be provided during the application process.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is necessary for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include research projects, volunteer work, or other academic endeavors that showcase a commitment to human rights and related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory 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, Russian, or Spanish, or proficiency in Khmer, is considered an advantage 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 Cambodia may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the internship is expected to last until March 1, 2027, with an initial period of three months.