Intern
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a Secretariat Department focused on strengthening international human rights mechanisms, enhancing equality, and combating discrimination. The Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) within OHCHR works globally to eliminate racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance through capacity-building, promotion, protection, and monitoring.
Job Purpose
This internship provides a framework for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to gain exposure to the work of the United Nations Secretariat. The intern will support the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) in its mission to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance worldwide. This role contributes to the UN's core work in implementing human rights standards and conventions, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The intern will assist in thematic advice, research on contemporary issues, and provide secretariat support to relevant mandates, thereby gaining practical experience in international human rights.
Responsibilities
The intern will be assigned to the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) under the general guidance of a supervisor. Key duties include supporting States, national human rights institutions, civil society, and the UN system in implementing human rights standards to eliminate racial discrimination. This involves contributing to capacity-building initiatives and the promotion, protection, prevention, and monitoring of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance globally. The intern will also assist in providing thematic advice and conducting research on contemporary issues such as incitement to hatred, hate speech, religious intolerance, multiple discrimination, and systemic racism. Additionally, the role involves providing secretariat support to mandates focused on these issues.
Work Experience
Professional work experience is not required for this internship. The focus is on the applicant's academic background, advanced coursework, or skills that can benefit the United Nations. The internship is designed to provide exposure and learning opportunities for individuals at an early stage of their careers.
Skills
Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations; Personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; Ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds; Willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views; Fluency in English (spoken and written); Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.