Work Location

This internship is designed to be in person and full-time in Geneva. Depending on the situation of the successful candidates, the internship may also be conducted full-time remotely.

Expected duration

This assignment shall be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from 10 March 2025 – 31 December 2025.

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 the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments with the Universal Periodic Review Branch (UPRB). Located within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD). The UPRB leads and acts as the Secretariat of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Created in 2006 through the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council (HRC), the UPR is a cooperative human rights mechanism that involves a review by the HRC of the human rights records of all United Nations Member States every four and a half years with an ultimate aim to improving the human rights situation in all countries. The UPR is a State-driven process that provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their respective countries, whilst fulfilling their human rights obligations. The UPR also reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms, while addressing human rights violations wherever they occur. The UPR ensures equal treatment for every country when human rights situations are assessed. More information on the UPR can be found at https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-home This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement. The assignment is performed under the overall guidance of the Chief of the UPR Branch. The intern reports to the Human Rights Officer responsible for the internship program within the UPR Branch. The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission. Daily responsibilities of UPRB interns will depend on the individual’s background and duties may include but are not limited to assisting staff members in the servicing of countries’ reviews before, during and after the UPR Working Group (WG) sessions. During the WG sessions and HRC sessions (item 6), the intern will assist with: i). the drafting of sections of the UPR WG report and of the UPR Outcome report under the staff members’ supervision; and ii). Secretariat management related tasks, including compiling lists of delegations, drafting/translating correspondence to participants, handling new communication and technology tools implemented for hybrid sessions, drafting ad hoc summaries, providing data research and statistics support, supporting media-related tasks, taking notes during UPR-related side events, and other tasks connected with the session. The in-session assignments may change depending on the specific modalities of the sessions. Out-session assignments may include but are not limited to assisting staff members in the: i). preparation of UPR pre-session documents (compilation and summary), including research and analysis of human rights information and trends, and documents and activities related to the UPR WG session and adoption of the UPR Outcomes; ii). indexing UPR recommendations under staff members supervision; iii). thematic research into specific areas of the UPR work; iv). preparation of training material, notes, bullet points, electronic material (infographics, presentations and video snapshots); and v). any other task relevant to the UPRB activities such as organization of and/or participation in meetings, panels, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship program applicants must, at the time of the application, be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first-level university degree program (i.e. minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree); or be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher -i.e. Master’s degree), preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations or a related field with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter. Academic knowledge on human rights and international human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, is highly desirable. Proficiency in MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, Power point are also highly desirable. Skills in data research and analysis and graphic design would be an asset. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English is required, knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Additional Information

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

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.