Intern, Environment and Climate Change Unit
Organizational Context
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity for human rights, with a mandate to promote and protect human rights globally and integrate them across the UN system. The Environment and Climate Change Unit, within the Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Division, spearheads OHCHR's work on environmental issues and human rights.
Job Purpose
This internship within OHCHR's Environment and Climate Change Unit in Geneva provides an opportunity to support substantive work on human rights and environmental action. The intern will assist the Unit in research, drafting materials, organizing events, monitoring developments in environmental crises and their human rights impacts, and supporting OHCHR's engagement with various human rights mechanisms and international agreements. This role contributes to strengthening OHCHR's efforts to advance the right to a healthy environment at regional and country levels, aligning with the UN's broader goals for sustainable development and human rights protection.
Responsibilities
Conduct research on substantive areas related to the Environment and Climate Change Unit's work. Support the drafting of various materials, including reports, publications, newsletters, and briefings. Assist in organizing events focused on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Monitor and support OHCHR's engagement in meetings, consultations, and briefings, including webinars, Multilateral Environmental Agreements COPs, and the Human Rights Council. Track scientific evidence and developments concerning environmental crises and their human rights implications. Facilitate coordination and information dissemination among OHCHR colleagues and partners. Support the preparation of activities mandated by the Human Rights Council. Contribute to efforts to enhance OHCHR's work on the right to a healthy environment at regional and country levels.
Work Experience
No professional work experience is required for this internship. However, a field of study closely related to the internship's focus is necessary. Applicants must be students in the final year of a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed such a program.
Skills
Research skills, drafting reports and publications, event organization support, meeting and consultation support, monitoring scientific and development trends, coordination and information dissemination, knowledge of human rights and environmental issues (desirable), proficiency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, fluency in English, knowledge of an additional UN official language (advantageous).