Intern - Human Rights Council Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key Secretariat Department established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and promote the protection of human rights globally. The OHCHR works to enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. It operates in various countries and is committed to integrating human rights into development and economic spheres. The organization is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing staff from various backgrounds and ensuring mutual respect among all individuals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB) of the OHCHR is designed for individuals who are keenly interested in human rights issues and the workings of the United Nations. Interns will gain exposure to the operations of the UN and contribute to the mission of protecting human rights for all. The role involves supporting the Human Rights Council in its various functions, including drafting reports, collecting data, and assisting in the preparation of meetings. Interns will work under the guidance of the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch and will be expected to engage with diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a range of responsibilities that may include drafting daily notes of proceedings, collecting and filing documents related to agenda items, assisting in the finalization of draft reports, preparing statistical reports on the Council's work, contributing to analyses of trends affecting the Council, and preparing summaries of communications under the Complaint Procedure. Additionally, interns will assist in the preparation of meetings, follow up on activities organized by the Office, and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship, applicants must be either enrolled in a graduate program or in the final year of a first-level university degree program in fields such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. While professional work experience is not required, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights and the work of the United Nations. The ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds is essential, as is a commitment to the principles of the UN.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program, or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. The preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the operations of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should possess a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in human rights and international relations. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of the United Nations, making it suitable for students or recent graduates.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be advantageous and enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment. The expected duration is three to six months, with the possibility of renewal upon supervisor approval. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates must ensure they meet visa requirements if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The application process requires candidates to provide detailed information about their interest in human rights, their academic status, IT skills, and references.