Intern - Special Procedures Branch

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Position Title: Intern - Special Procedures Branch
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat department established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms. It focuses on enhancing equality, combating discrimination, and ensuring accountability and the rule of law. The OHCHR integrates human rights into development and economic spheres, widens democratic spaces, and provides early warning and protection in situations of conflict, violence, and insecurity. The Special Procedures Branch (SPB) was created in 2006 through UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council (HRC). The SPB is responsible for thematic research, policy development, and human rights mainstreaming across the UN system, providing expertise to various stakeholders on a wide range of human rights themes. The Branch supports independent human rights experts, known as mandate holders, who report and advise on human rights issues from a thematic perspective. The SPB comprises six sections, each focusing on different aspects of human rights, including accountability, sustainable development, protection, social rights, equality, and coordination. The OHCHR is dedicated to the protection of all human rights for all people and aims to empower individuals to realize their rights while assisting those responsible for upholding these rights.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Special Procedures Branch of the OHCHR is designed to provide support in fulfilling the mission of the OHCHR. The intern will work under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch and the guidance of the respective Chief of Section, reporting directly to a Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. The intern's daily responsibilities will vary based on the activities within the assigned unit and the individual's background. The role is crucial in contributing to the OHCHR's efforts to protect human rights globally. Interns will engage in various tasks, including contributing to thematic reports, conducting research on international law and jurisprudence, assisting in the preparation of official country visits, and analyzing human rights issues. The internship is structured to provide practical experience in the field of human rights and to enhance the intern's understanding of the UN's work in this area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties may include, but are not limited to: contributing to thematic reports or studies; conducting literature research related to human rights; assisting in the preparation of country-specific human rights assessments for official visits; analyzing human rights issues in cases and complaints addressed to mandate holders; drafting letters summarizing human rights violations and preparing legal analyses; collecting information and conducting research for briefing notes and statements; taking notes during meetings with stakeholders, especially civil society representatives; attending sessions of the Human Rights Council and assisting in related activities; organizing meetings and seminars; and performing other related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be either a graduate or currently 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). The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related areas. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience to participate in the programme, making it accessible to recent graduates and students.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a graduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programme, or being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree programme. The focus should ideally be in areas such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related fields. This educational requirement ensures that interns have a foundational understanding of the principles and issues related to human rights.

Experience:
The position does not require prior professional work experience, which allows recent graduates or students to gain valuable experience in the field of human rights. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to start their careers in international relations or human rights advocacy, as it provides them with hands-on experience within a prestigious organization like the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in either 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 considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with another United Nations official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be advantageous, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and documents.

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of renewal for a combined total of six months, subject to approval by the supervisor. This structure allows for continuity in the intern's work and the opportunity to engage in longer-term projects. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part of the United Nations' commitment to providing opportunities for young professionals to gain experience in international human rights work. Importantly, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the opportunity is accessible to all qualified candidates.