Business And Human Rights Intern

Organizational Context

UNDP operates globally, eradicating poverty and achieving SDGs. The Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub (GRP) integrates governance, rule of law, and peacebuilding efforts, enhancing global advocacy and support for effective solutions. The Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative, a GRP program, is coordinated from Geneva, supporting governments, businesses, and civil society in upholding human rights. This internship sits within the B+HR Initiative.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this internship is to provide comprehensive support to the Business, Human Rights and Peace Team, contributing significantly to UNDP’s global Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative. Under the guidance of the Global Adviser in Geneva, the intern will assist in advancing UNDP's work on business and human rights at both global and corporate levels. This involves supporting programmatic efforts that focus on enabling governments to protect human rights from business abuses, helping businesses embed human rights respect in their operations, and empowering civil society to monitor performance and provide remedies. The role will engage with thematic areas including UN Guiding Principles, National Action Plans, responsible business in conflict contexts, environmental rights, human rights due diligence, modern slavery, and sustainable finance, thereby strengthening UNDP's capacity to promote corporate accountability and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The intern will provide comprehensive support to the Business, Human Rights and Peace Team, contributing to the effective functioning and outreach of the B+HR Initiative. This includes active participation in internal and external events and meetings, ensuring diligent follow-up on action points to maintain project momentum. A core responsibility involves supporting the team's engagement with key stakeholders and events, such as the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights and regional fora, and fostering collaboration with UN agencies, civil society, and businesses. The intern will also prepare essential background documents for meetings, including terms of reference, concept notes, briefings, reports, and discussion papers, ensuring thorough preparation for strategic discussions. Event management support will involve organizing and facilitating engagements for the UNDP community of practice, including online dialogues and webinars, to foster knowledge sharing. Additionally, the intern will assist in reviewing internal guidance and policy papers, contribute to resource mobilization through research and drafting, and support initiatives on thematic issues like environment, finance, and modern slavery. Communication efforts, including social media and online content, will also be a key area of support, alongside other assigned tasks.

Work Experience

Required experience includes familiarity with the UN system or other international organizations, multilateral institutions, or academic bodies focused on business and human rights, human rights, sustainable development, or corporate sustainability. Proficiency with web-based applications, websites, and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is also essential.

Skills

Self-starter, organized, and detail-oriented. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Strong information synthesis and concise content production skills. Demonstrates ethics, integrity, corporate knowledge, and sound judgment. Takes initiative and works independently with minimal supervision. Adapts quickly to changing priorities and plans effectively. Works effectively in a team and international environment.

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