Internship with the Civic Space Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a key department of the United Nations, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to strengthen international human rights mechanisms, enhance equality, combat discrimination, and ensure accountability and the rule of law. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to promote human rights and civic space. The OHCHR's mission is to integrate human rights into development and economic policies, widen democratic spaces, and provide early warning and protection in situations of conflict and violence. The Civic Space Unit, which is part of the OHCHR, focuses on enhancing participation and protecting civic space as a fundamental aspect of its management plan, addressing critical issues faced by Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and promoting their safety and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Civic Space Unit of the OHCHR is designed for individuals who are passionate about human rights and civic engagement. The intern will support the unit's efforts in enhancing participation and protecting civic space, which are crucial for the promotion of human rights. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including HRDs, to develop strategies that respond to urgent situations affecting civic space. The intern will also assist in monitoring civic space trends and the situation of HRDs, contributing to the development of frameworks that track these trends and enhance the capacity to communicate data effectively. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the workings of the UN and to contribute to meaningful initiatives that support human rights globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the Civic Space Unit's objectives. These include:

• Assisting in the mapping of protection practices for HRDs and supporting pilot projects aimed at enhancing their safety.
• Engaging in strategic fieldwork to develop coordinated responses to threats against civic space, including convening key actors to address urgent situations.
• Contributing to the development of a monitoring framework for tracking civic space trends and the situation of HRDs, including data collection and analysis.
• Supporting the mainstreaming of civic space and protection efforts within the UN system by mapping existing policies and practices.
• Helping to build public support for HRDs by increasing visibility and understanding of their roles and challenges.
• Participating in discussions and initiatives aimed at mitigating reprisals against those cooperating with the UN on human rights issues.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be recent graduates or currently enrolled in a graduate program (Master's degree or equivalent) or a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in fields such as law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related areas. While professional work experience is not required, a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in human rights and civic engagement are essential. Candidates should possess good analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment, and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed or be in the process of completing a relevant degree program. This includes either a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in fields related to law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or similar disciplines. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in human rights issues and civic engagement, as well as an understanding of international relations and the workings of the United Nations.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. However, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic experience or volunteer work that reflects their commitment to human rights and civic space. This could include participation in university projects, internships, or volunteer roles that align with the mission of the OHCHR and the Civic Space Unit.

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 also beneficial, as it is another official language of the UN. Additionally, proficiency in other UN official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the unit's objectives.

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 before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN before accepting the internship offer. The expected duration of the internship is from September to December 2025, providing a substantial opportunity for interns to engage in meaningful work within the OHCHR.