Internship with the Human Rights Treaties Branch

Job Posting Organization:
The Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) is part of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Established to support the activities of human rights treaty bodies, the HRTB plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of core international human rights treaties. The organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy the rights enshrined in international treaties. The HRTB operates with a team of experts and collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to enhance the effectiveness of human rights mechanisms. The OHCHR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a global presence, working in multiple countries to uphold human rights standards and provide support to victims of human rights violations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Human Rights Treaties Branch offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in human rights law and international relations. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks that support the work of human rights treaty bodies, which are committees of independent experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of international human rights treaties. The role is designed to provide interns with hands-on experience in the field of human rights, allowing them to contribute to significant projects and initiatives. Interns will be involved in preparing legal analyses, conducting research, and assisting with the preparation of reports and documentation for various human rights mechanisms. This position is ideal for those looking to gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and the international human rights system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have a diverse set of responsibilities that may vary based on their specific area of assignment within the Human Rights Treaties Branch. Key duties include: preparing country and legal analyses, drafting legal background papers for human rights treaty bodies, conducting research and drafting reports on treaty body jurisprudence, assisting with individual communications under treaty body complaints procedures, providing support for inter-state communications, and assisting in the preparation of country visits by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). Additionally, interns will take notes during sessions, support administrative tasks, contribute to outreach efforts, and assist with the development of training materials for capacity building activities. They may also be involved in evaluating project proposals for funding and performing other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship program, applicants must be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a graduate school program (Master's degree or equivalent) or be in the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (Bachelor's degree or equivalent). Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines. Importantly, applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience to participate in the program, making it accessible for students and recent graduates seeking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, either through current enrollment in a graduate program or completion of a first-level university degree. This educational foundation should ideally be in areas such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences, which are pertinent to the work of the Human Rights Treaties Branch. The internship is designed to complement academic learning with practical experience in a professional setting.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position. This aspect makes the opportunity particularly appealing for students and recent graduates who are looking to gain their first experience in the field of human rights and international relations. The focus is on providing a learning environment where interns can develop their skills and knowledge while contributing to meaningful work.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is mandatory 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, enhancing the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and they 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 before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process remains accessible and equitable for all candidates.