Internship with the Human Rights Treaties Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) is part of the United Nations and operates under the mandate established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/26

• The HRTB supports the activities of human rights treaty bodies, which are committees of independent experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of core international human rights treaties. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals can enjoy the rights outlined in these treaties, and it engages in various capacity-building activities to support States and stakeholders in their interactions with UN human rights mechanisms. The HRTB is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is supported by the Secretariats of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Human Rights Treaties Branch offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in human rights law and international relations. Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks that support the work of the treaty bodies and the capacity-building programs. The role is designed to provide interns with practical experience in the field of human rights, allowing them to contribute to the monitoring and implementation of international human rights treaties. Interns will work closely with experts in the field and will have the chance to engage in research, analysis, and administrative support related to the treaty bodies' functions. This internship is expected to last between three to six months, providing a comprehensive introduction to the workings of the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may vary depending on their specific area of assignment within the Human Rights Treaties Branch. Key duties include: preparing country and legal analyses, drafting legal background papers for human rights treaty bodies, conducting research and drafting reports on treaty body jurisprudence, assisting with individual communications under treaty body complaints procedures, providing support for inter-state communications, preparing for country visits by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), taking notes during sessions, and assisting with administrative tasks such as documentation preparation. Additionally, interns will contribute to outreach efforts, support the Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI), develop training exercises for capacity-building activities, prepare updates for the Human Rights Treaties Branch, assist in report preparation for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, and evaluate project proposals for funding. Interns may also be required to perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program at the United Nations, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent). Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. Importantly, applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in the program, making it accessible to recent graduates and students.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, which includes being a graduate or enrolled in a graduate program (Master's level) or in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program. The focus should ideally be on areas such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. This educational requirement ensures that interns have a foundational understanding of the principles and issues related to human rights and international law, which are critical for their roles within the Human Rights Treaties Branch.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. This aspect of the program is designed to encourage recent graduates and students to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and international relations, allowing them to develop their skills and knowledge without the barrier of needing previous work experience.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory 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 and could enhance the intern's contributions to the team.

Additional Notes:
Interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations for their work. Therefore, they are responsible for covering their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is crucial for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the United Nations before accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and fair.