Work Location

Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration

three (3) months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the United Nations (UN) 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 Special Procedures Branch (SPB). Created in 2006 through the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Special Procedures Branch is responsible for thematic research and policy development, human rights mainstreaming across all work areas of the United Nations system, development of tools and learning packages and provision of expertise to a variety of stakeholders on a wide range of human rights themes. The Branch lends support to independent human rights experts – Special Rapporteurs, Working Groups or Independent Experts, together referred to as mandate holders, appointed by the Human Rights Council with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic perspective. For more information on the Special Procedures Branch and its work, including an overview of the different themes covered, go to: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures-human-rights-council Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch, the intern reports to the Special Procedure Media Officer in the assigned work unit. This assignment shall 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. The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission to raise awareness about human rights around the world and promote 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. Daily responsibilities of the Special Procedures public information intern may include but are not limited to contributing to media and social media monitoring, analysing trends and topics on social media, selecting photos, designing visual illustrations for social media posts, assist in the drafting of social media posts. In particular, the intern may: attend sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC), assisting with the preparation of related activities and events; assist in the organisation of press conferences; and perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of their submission, be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree); be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or have completed an aforementioned academic degree, preferably in the area of communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, international relations or a related field, AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated on the acceptance letter.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Not available.

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.