Work Location

New York, United States of America

Expected duration

This internship will be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months upon further approval by the supervisor, starting ASAP with the commencement date to be agreed between the intern and OHCHR.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments located with the OHCHR New York Office. OHCHR-New York represents the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations headquarters (UNHQ) and ensures the effective integration of the norms, standards, methodologies, policies and mechanisms of the United Nations human rights system in the work of the New York-based intergovernmental organs, interdepartmental bodies, policy development processes, operational oversight activities and public information initiatives. The OHCHR New York Office comprises the Equality, Discrimination and Rule of Law Section (EDRS); the Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications and Outreach Section (ICOS); the Prevention and Sustaining Peace Section (PSPS), the Peace Mission Support Section (PMSS); and the Front Office. Based in New York, United States of America, under the overall leadership of the High Commissioner, the intern reports to the Chief of ICOS and/or Human Rights Officer in the area of assignment. The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. The internship will focus on supporting OHCHR’s work to integrate human rights in the work of intergovernmental bodies in New York. Daily responsibilities of interns may include but are not limited to the following: - Researching, identifying and analysing international human rights trends, developments, and initiatives in intergovernmental bodies at the United Nations, with a focus on the GA and SC, assessing their impact and preparing documents and written summaries as agreed in each case - Providing support to the organisation of relevant meetings as required - Supporting the gathering of best practices, statistics and other data related to intergovernmental meetings and fora related to human rights - Supporting human rights officers on specific priority countries, regions and/or thematic areas and as such, take notes at relevant meetings - Assisting in drafting and editing various documents, reports, position papers, statements, talking points, presentations and outreach materials - Attending relevant in-person or virtual meetings as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Competency: We are looking for someone who is collaborative, reliable, with strong communication, research and analytical skills. No prior experience is necessary. We seek candidates with relevant coursework in human rights, law, international affairs, public administration, communication. Skills: Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact in international settings. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.