Human Rights (Right to Development) Internship

Organizational Context

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva hosts this internship within its Right to Development Section (RTDS). This section is part of the Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch, within the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division. The role supports the implementation of the mandate concerning the realization of the right to development.

Job Purpose

This internship aims to support the Human Rights Officer in the Right to Development Section (RTDS) at OHCHR. The intern will contribute to the implementation of the mandate of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner regarding the realization of the right to development. Key contributions include conducting research and analysis on various aspects of the right to development, such as international cooperation, trade, investment, and development finance. The role also involves providing essential support for meetings, seminars, and workshops organized by RTDS, including preparing background materials, drafting summaries, and assisting with speaker and participant coordination. This experience offers a practical understanding of human rights work within a UN context.

Responsibilities

The intern will conduct research and analysis on assigned topics related to the right to development, including areas like international cooperation, solidarity, trade, investment, and development finance. Responsibilities also include preparing for and servicing meetings, seminars, and workshops. This involves compiling background materials, drafting presentations, taking meeting notes, and preparing summaries. Additionally, the intern will assist in researching and inviting speakers and participants for various events. The role supports RTDS in organizing key annual events such as the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development, the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, and the Human Rights Council Social Forum.

Work Experience

Professional work experience is not required for this internship. The primary requirement is academic background, with applicants needing to be current students in their final year of a university degree program (Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.) or have already completed such a program.

Skills

Research and analysis, meeting support (preparation, servicing, note-taking, summarization), event coordination (speaker/participant research and invitation), strong written and spoken English proficiency. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is advantageous.

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