Internship with the Communications and Public Mobilization Section

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. The OHCHR focuses on enhancing equality, countering discrimination, combating impunity, and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. It integrates human rights into development and economic spheres, widens democratic spaces, and provides early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The External Outreach and Partnerships Service (EOPS), established in 2013, aims to create synergies among various external relations services to maximize their impact. The service comprises five thematic areas: Audio-visual, Graphic Design, Social Media, Editorial, and Web, and is dedicated to developing strategies that improve awareness of human rights issues and garner support for OHCHR's work.

Job Overview:
This internship assignment is with the Communications and Public Mobilization Section (CPMS) of the EOPS. Interns will work under the guidance of the Chief of Section and report to the respective Unit head. The internship is designed to provide students from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to the work of the United Nations. It is a full-time, unpaid position that may last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for a total of six months, subject to supervisor approval. The internship is expected to commence between May 2024 and July 202

• Interns are expected to demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter, as well as the ability to interact successfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will assist in developing and implementing strategies to raise awareness of human rights issues. They will be involved in creating content for social media, including video and graphic design items. Interns will also support the various thematic areas of the CPMS, contributing to projects that enhance the visibility of OHCHR's work. Responsibilities may include conducting research, drafting communications materials, and participating in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects and initiatives. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the operations of the United Nations and gain practical experience in public mobilization and communications.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these degrees. No prior work experience is required, but applicants should demonstrate skills that would benefit the United Nations during their internship. Specifically, the ability to create video or graphic design items for social media posts is essential. Applicants should also indicate their current academic status and availability in their cover letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a relevant academic program, such as a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. This educational background should ideally relate to communications, public relations, human rights, or a similar field that aligns with the work of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior work experience is necessary to apply for this internship. However, candidates should possess relevant training, education, or skills that would contribute positively to the work of the United Nations during their internship. This could include coursework in communications, graphic design, or human rights.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, and familiarity with another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.