Intern (Human Rights)

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), part of the United Nations Secretariat, is the leading UN entity on human rights mandated 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. The fundamental pillars of OHCHR’s work globally include: (1) strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; (2), enhancing and protecting civic space and people’s participation; (3) enhancing equality and countering discrimination: (4) integrating human rights in sustainable development; (5) early warning, prevention and protection of human rights in situations of conflict and insecurity; and (6) increasing implementation of the international human rights mechanisms' outcomes. This announcement broadcasts international internships based in the OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO). Established in 2002, the Regional Office for South-East Asia acts as an expert resource and plays a catalytic and convening role, helping to bring human rights standards and mechanisms into discussions on political, social, economic and developmental issues amongst governmental and non-governmental actors. A combination of technical support and capacity building with key partners as well as advocacy on human rights issues of concern has formed the basis of the work of the Regional Office, including with government authorities, national human rights institutions, the UN system, civil society and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In addition to its work on the six fundamental pillars, SEARO is working on a number of thematic areas including migration, climate change and environmental rights, digital space and business and human rights and the Office aims to integrate gender into all areas of its work. SEARO covers Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and it also supports OHCHR's work elsewhere in the Asia and Pacific region. For further information, please see https://bangkok.ohchr.org/ Based in Bangkok, Thailand, this assignment may be offered for a period of six (6) months, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from July 2021 to July 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 (South-East Asia Regional office) intern will depend on the individual's background and duties may include but are not limited to monitoring and analysis of developments and trends (i.e. human rights, politics and conflict) in South-East Asia; researching and drafting internal and external notes and reports within the assigned area and, in particular, the intern may: prepare daily news updates with information on the human rights situation in the region; support SEARO’s engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies; assist with the organization of workshops and seminars; maintaining and developing information and resource tools; update information on SEARO’s website; participate and take notes in meetings/conferences, as requested; and perform other duties as requested by the supervisor, 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. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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 is required. Knowledge of Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese and/or Bahasa is desirable.