Intern (Human Rights - Office of the Director - Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division)

The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments based in the Office of the Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD). Consisting of three branches, the Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division has a core mandate to support the Human Rights Council (HRC) and its mechanisms, as well as the 10 human rights treaty bodies and with the administration of a number of Voluntary Trust Funds. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of Special Assistant to the Director of Division the intern reports to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work team. This assignment shall be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from June 2021 to June 2022. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUESTED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY IN VIEW OF CONSTRAINTS REGARDING VISA ISSUANCE, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND ACCESS TO UN PREMISES. APPLICANTS MUST BE WILLING AND PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY FOR A PART OR THE ENTIRETY OF THE INTERNSHIP. Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter.

The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms intern may include but are not limited to follow-up on the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council (HRC), update information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights; assist in supporting the work of treaty-established bodies mechanisms; prepare statistics, keep track and compile information on the engagement with human rights mechanisms; maintain relevant database and webpages; draft correspondence such as good stories on the impact of human rights mechanisms, conduct variety of research, collect and disseminate, as appropriate, information pertaining to the Division; contribute to outreach and human rights mainstreaming initiatives; attend to queries/ requests from the Director and the Branch Chiefs; facilitate internal exchange of information and practices as well as coordination on relevant human rights mechanisms and with the other parts of the Office and the United Nations (UN); assist in the dissemination of information about the work of human rights mechanisms; undertake research on issues of relevance to the work of the Division; assist in facilitating the organization of non-governmental organizations (NGO) related meetings in the context of the Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) sessions and other meetings, as appropriate, its subsidiary bodies, particularly through coordinating the receipt and processing of requests, verifying eligibility, preparation of documentation and materials, coordinating coverage, attending and providing support during meetings and ensuring follow-up as appropriate; assist with collaborative work and activities organized with other Divisions, United Nations agencies and bodies; Perform other related duties as appropriate

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriates tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission, be a graduate or enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or, be a graduate or enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree) preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR have graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter. APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English or French is required, knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).