Human Rights Intern

Organizational Context

The Human Rights Intern will be based in the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The HRTB supports the activities of the UN human rights treaty bodies, which monitor treaty implementation by State parties. The internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the UN's human rights mandate.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to provide practical experience in international human rights law and treaty body mechanisms. The intern will support the Human Rights Treaties Branch in its core functions, including servicing treaty body meetings, conducting research, and assisting with capacity-building initiatives. The role contributes to the effective monitoring and promotion of human rights globally by supporting the work of independent expert committees and engaging with States and civil society. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of international human rights law and gain hands-on experience within a UN human rights framework.

Responsibilities

The intern will assist in servicing meetings of human rights treaty bodies and their working groups, as well as the Board of Trustees of associated Funds. Key duties include preparing country and legal analyses, drafting background papers for treaty bodies concerning state party reporting and individual complaints procedures. The intern will conduct research and draft reports on treaty body jurisprudence, assist in handling individual and inter-state communications, and support preparations for country visits. Additional responsibilities involve taking notes during sessions, providing administrative support for documentation, contributing to outreach and information tasks, and supporting the Universal Human Rights Index and treaty body databases. The role also includes assisting with capacity-building activities, preparing updates and reports, and supporting training initiatives.

Work Experience

No prior experience is necessary. Relevant coursework in areas such as business administration, management, strategic communications, project management, public administration, law, or human resources management is beneficial. A broad range of educational, project, volunteering, or research experience backgrounds are considered.

Skills

Teamwork, collaboration, reliability, communication, cross-cultural interaction, understanding and tolerance of diverse opinions. Fluency in English or French is required; knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of another UN official language is advantageous.

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