Human Rights Intern

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works globally to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience. The Crisis Bureau, specifically the Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Team in Geneva, focuses on crisis prevention and recovery. This internship supports the team's engagement with Geneva-based partners to implement UNDP's mandate on human rights and rule of law.

Job Purpose

This internship provides an opportunity to support the UNDP's Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Team in Geneva. The intern will assist in monitoring and analyzing debates within the Human Rights Council, producing relevant information for country offices and headquarters. The role contributes to UNDP's global and corporate initiatives on human rights, focusing on areas such as human rights mechanisms, digitization, rights-based programming, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, and the right to a healthy environment. The intern will gain practical experience in human rights work within an international development context, supporting the team's policy advice and programmatic efforts.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive support to the Human Rights Team, including attending and following up on internal and external meetings and events. Assist in UNDP's engagement with the Human Rights Council by drafting summaries and analyses of sessions for internal reporting. Monitor the Universal Periodic Review and other human rights mechanisms, contributing to team efforts to support regional hubs and country offices. Prepare draft background documents for meetings, such as terms of reference, concept notes, and reports. Support the organization of events to foster a community of practice among UNDP practitioners and facilitate online engagements like dialogues and webinars. Review internal guidance and policy papers, and regularly update the UNDP's internal Human Rights online platform. Contribute to team initiatives on human rights and digitalization, and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Assist with communication efforts, including social media and online content, and perform other assigned tasks.

Work Experience

Familiarity with the UN system, international organizations, or institutions working on Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, or conflict/violence-related issues is required. Experience with web-based applications and websites is necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is also required.

Skills

Self-starter, organized, detail-oriented, ability to balance multiple responsibilities, strong synthesis and concise content creation skills, ethical and integrity-driven, corporate knowledge and sound judgment, initiative and ability to work independently, adaptability to changing priorities, and effective teamwork in an international environment.

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