Interns - Innovation & Analytics Hub

Organizational Context

The Innovation and Analytics Hub (the Hub) at OHCHR in Geneva reports directly to the High Commissioner. It is the UN's first dedicated center for innovation and analytics in human rights, serving as OHCHR's Centre of Excellence. The Hub advances the Secretary-General's "Quintet of Change" to strengthen analytical and operational capacities, detect human rights trends, and inform evidence-based action. It also develops digital tools to enhance OHCHR's global impact. Interns join one of four workstreams.

Job Purpose

The Innovation and Analytics Hub (the Hub) at OHCHR in Geneva is the United Nations' first dedicated center for innovation and analytics in human rights, reporting directly to the High Commissioner. It serves as OHCHR's Centre of Excellence, advancing the Secretary-General's "Quintet of Change" – Data, Digital, Innovation, Foresight, and Behavioral Science. The Hub aims to bring together expertise, ideas, and digital solutions to strengthen the Organization's analytical and operational capacities. It harnesses advanced data analytics and emerging technologies to detect and interpret human rights trends, support early warning and foresight, and inform preventive and evidence-based action. Additionally, it develops next-generation digital tools to enhance the coherence, efficiency, and impact of OHCHR and the wider human rights system globally. As an intern, you will be assigned to at least one of four Hub workstreams: Strategic Coordination and Planning, Digital Transformation and AI, Data and Analytics, or Human Rights Risk Analysis and Early Warning. Interns work as full members of the team, pursuing projects designed to create lasting impact and gaining valuable insights into the UN System.

Responsibilities

Interns will contribute to one of four key workstreams within the Innovation and Analytics Hub. In Strategic Coordination and Planning, duties include organizing and facilitating strategic meetings, outreach initiatives, and training workshops. Interns will also contribute to creating analytics products, slide decks, and background papers, assist in monitoring strategic initiatives, and support the organization-wide innovation Community of Practice, communications, and resource mobilization efforts. For Digital Transformation and AI, responsibilities involve contributing to the planning, design, and execution of digital transformation initiatives, assisting in the development and deployment of data analytics tools and platforms, and supporting the integration of emerging technologies into existing workflows. Within Data & Analytics, interns will contribute to the collection, compilation, and verification of data, develop analytical products including dashboards and visualizations, and support the production of global human rights indicators. In Human Rights Risk Analysis and Early Warning, tasks include monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on emerging human rights risks and protracted crisis situations, supporting the preparation of specialized human rights reports, and conducting daily media and open-source monitoring to identify potential human rights concerns. Interns will work as full team members, pursuing projects designed to create lasting impact.

Work Experience

While prior internships or 1-2 years of full-time work experience are common, they are not formally required for the UN Internship Program. Desirable experience varies by workstream: Strategic Coordination and Planning benefits from strong organizational, coordination, and analytical skills, plus visual design experience. Digital Transformation and AI values interest in emerging technologies, digital tools, and data analysis. Data & Analytics seeks experience in data processing, analysis, management, visualization, and statistical methods. Human Rights Risk Analysis and Early Warning requires knowledge of human rights principles, international mechanisms, excellent drafting skills, and experience in human rights report-drafting.

Skills

Organizational and coordination skills, analytical thinking, excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and visual design experience. Interest in emerging technologies, innovation, digital transformation, familiarity with digital tools, and data analysis. Proficiency in data processing, management, visualization, and statistical/econometric methods. Solid knowledge of human rights principles and international mechanisms, excellent drafting skills, and report-drafting proficiency. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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