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 the 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 set out in these treaties, and it engages in various activities to support States and stakeholders in their compliance with human rights obligations. The HRTB is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part 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 is designed to provide practical experience in the field of human rights and treaty monitoring. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with the work of the treaty bodies, which include reviewing State party reports, handling individual complaints, and conducting country inquiries. The internship is structured to last between 3 to 6 months, with flexibility in terms of modality, allowing for both in-person and remote work. Interns will be involved in various tasks that support the operations of the treaty bodies and the capacity-building programs, contributing to the overall mission of promoting and protecting human rights globally. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain insight into international human rights mechanisms and develop skills in legal analysis, research, and administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to perform a range of duties that support the work of the Human Rights Treaties Branch. These responsibilities may include: preparing country and legal analyses, drafting legal background papers related to the State party reporting procedure, conducting research on the jurisprudence of treaty bodies, assisting with individual communications under treaty body complaints procedures, providing support for inter-state communications, and preparing documentation for the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) country visits. Additionally, interns will take notes during sessions, assist with administrative tasks, contribute to outreach efforts, support the Universal Human Rights Index, and help develop training materials for capacity-building activities. Interns may also assist in evaluating project proposals for funding and perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong collaborative skills, reliability, and effective communication abilities. They should demonstrate a capacity to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and show a willingness to understand differing opinions. The minimum educational requirement is a High School Diploma, with candidates expected to be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree. Relevant coursework in fields such as business administration, law, public administration, or human resources management is preferred, but the organization is open to a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a minimum of a High School Diploma. Candidates must either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights law and treaty obligations.

Experience:
No prior professional experience is necessary for this internship position. However, candidates should have relevant coursework or experience in areas such as business administration, management, strategic communications, project management, public administration, law, or human resources management. The organization values a broad range of experiences, including academic projects, volunteering, and research, which can contribute to the intern's understanding of the role and responsibilities within the Human Rights Treaties Branch.

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 and enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The internship is designed to last between 3 to 6 months, with the possibility of adjusting the duration and modality based on the successful candidate's requests. The position is open to both in-person and remote work arrangements, providing flexibility for candidates.