Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms. Established to enhance equality, combat discrimination, and strengthen accountability, the OHCHR plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic spheres. The organization operates globally, with a core mandate to support the Human Rights Council (HRC) and its mechanisms, as well as the ten human rights treaty bodies. The OHCHR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs, while also promoting geographic diversity.

Job Overview:
This internship is located in the Office of the Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD), specifically within its Civil Society Team. The intern will engage with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, supporting the work of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies. The internship is designed to provide individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations, allowing them to contribute to the mission of protecting human rights for all people. The intern will report to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work team and will be expected to assist in various tasks that support the OHCHR's mission, including facilitating NGO meetings, reviewing written statements, and conducting research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's daily responsibilities will include assisting in the support of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies, facilitating the organization of NGO-related meetings, reviewing NGO written statements, preparing notes and statistics, maintaining relevant databases and webpages, drafting correspondence, conducting research, and disseminating information related to human rights mechanisms. The intern will also contribute to outreach initiatives, attend to queries from the Director and Branch Chiefs, and assist in collaborative work with other Divisions and UN agencies. Additional duties may include performing related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must be a graduate or 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). A field of study closely related to the internship is required, and applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations. Professional work experience is not required, but applicants should provide examples of how they meet the educational criteria.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. Programme. The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related fields. Proof of enrollment or graduation will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
No professional work experience is required for participation in the UN Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a relevant field of study that aligns with the internship they are applying for. This allows individuals to gain practical experience while contributing to the UN's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in 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 desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires full-time engagement. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. The internship is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of renewal for a combined period of six months, subject to supervisor approval. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.