INTERN - HUMAN RIGHTS

Organizational Context

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) works to protect all human rights and empower people to realize their rights. This internship is within the Europe and Central Asia Section, supporting the OHCHR's mission and its regional human rights activities.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its mission to protect and promote human rights globally. The intern will gain practical experience by assisting Desk Officers with various tasks related to the Europe and Central Asia region. This includes compiling information, analyzing key issues, maintaining contacts with UN teams, NGOs, and field offices, and supporting activities such as mission coordination, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the preparation of technical documents. The role provides an opportunity to understand OHCHR's mandates, policies, and programmes while contributing to its operational activities.

Responsibilities

Support OHCHR's mission to protect and promote human rights. Compile and analyze basic information and key issues related to human rights in the Europe and Central Asia region. Collect and organize documents from UN headquarters and field offices. Assist Desk Officers in maintaining contact with UN Country Teams, human rights offices, NGOs, and national human rights institutions. Coordinate missions of special rapporteurs and other experts, liaising with thematic mechanisms and OHCHR entities. Support activities related to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and follow-up. Assist in information collection and background compilation for technical papers and speeches. Support program/project activities aligned with study areas. Organize meetings, seminars, and official missions. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is explicitly required for this internship. However, academic background in international relations, international human rights law, political science, or related fields is desirable. Practical experience may be gained through the internship activities.

Skills

Information compilation and analysis, communication, organizational skills, ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders, understanding of human rights mandates and policies, proficiency in English or French (knowledge of the other is an asset), knowledge of another UN official language (e.g., Russian) is an advantage.

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