Internship - Human Rights - Office of the Director, Civil Society Team (Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division)

Organizational Context

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms, enhancing equality, combating impunity, and integrating human rights in development. This internship is within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division's Civil Society Team, based in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on civil society engagement with UN human rights mechanisms.

Job Purpose

This internship provides a framework for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to gain exposure to the work of the United Nations within the Office of the Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division. The role supports the Civil Society Team's engagement with UN human rights mechanisms, contributing to OHCHR's mission of protecting human rights for all, empowering people to realize their rights, and assisting those upholding these rights. The intern will gain practical experience in international human rights work, supporting key UN human rights bodies and fostering civil society participation.

Responsibilities

The intern will support the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division's Civil Society Team by assisting with the engagement of civil society with UN human rights mechanisms. Key duties include facilitating NGO meetings, reviewing NGO statements, maintaining databases and webpages, drafting correspondence, and conducting research on relevant human rights issues. The intern will also contribute to outreach initiatives, attend to stakeholder queries, and assist in disseminating information about the work of human rights mechanisms. This involves collaborative work with other UN divisions and bodies, supporting the overall mission of OHCHR.

Work Experience

Professional work experience is not required for this internship program. However, applicants must demonstrate a field of study closely related to the internship's focus. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree or higher, or have completed such a degree.

Skills

Research, communication, organizational skills, ability to interact with diverse individuals, keen interest in UN human rights work, commitment to UN Charter ideals, understanding and tolerance of differing opinions.

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