Donor and External Relations (Reporting/Communications) - Intern

Job Description

Intern – Donor and External Relations (OHCHR Brussels Office)

Work Location: Brussels
Expected Duration: From 3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in advancing its mission: protecting all human rights for all people, empowering individuals to realize their rights, and assisting duty-bearers in implementing them.

The intern will join the Donor and External Relations (Dexrel) Subsection at OHCHR’s Regional Office for Europe in Brussels, composed of three professional staff. Based on their background and interests, the intern will be assigned tasks in one or more of the following workstreams:

• Donor Intelligence/Strategy
• • Gather and analyze information on EU external action priorities, policies, and related funding opportunities relevant to human rights.
  • Match EU interests with OHCHR programme priorities to identify potential partnership areas.
• Resource Mobilization
  • Support OHCHR staff globally in developing high-quality proposals aligned with programme priorities.
  • Coordinate with thematic units at HQ Geneva and field locations.
  • Maintain relations with key EU institutions (European Commission, Council of the EU, European Parliament).
  • Facilitate the exchange of information on human rights topics of concern, including in countries with active partnerships and in the context of EU human rights dialogues.
• Project Portfolio Management
  • Collaborate with the Dexrel section in Geneva to support OHCHR staff implementing EU-funded projects.
  • Help manage a portfolio exceeding €90 million across diverse regions and themes (e.g., human rights defenders, peace and security, treaty body reporting).

Assigned tasks may include:

• Researching and drafting reports, briefing notes, and other documents on donor intelligence (e.g., fundraising opportunities related to human rights and the environment).
• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of selected projects, in coordination with field and HQ units.
• Supporting the development of project proposals and relevant documents for EU contributions to OHCHR.
• Attending and reporting on relevant meetings, consultations, and public events on behalf of OHCHR.
• Performing other duties as requested by the team.

Qualifications / Special Skills:

• Must be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international relations, business, marketing, journalism, communication, social sciences, or a related field.
• No prior work experience is required, but previous internship or work experience in the UN, NGOs, or private sector is an asset.
• Candidates must commence the internship on the date indicated in the acceptance letter if selected.
• Candidates should possess training, coursework, or skills relevant to the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French is an asset.
• Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is an advantage.

Additional Information:

• Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
• Travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
• Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the host country may be required to obtain a visa and work authorization.
• Successful candidates should confirm visa requirements before accepting the offer.

Deadline : Jul 9, 2025