Human Rights Internship

Job Description

Job no: 582143
Work type: Internship
Location: Belgium
Categories: Executive Management

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, rights

Advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, is at the core of UNICEF’s mandate. In over 190 countries, UNICEF supports Governments and civil society in making the Convention on the Rights of the Child a reality for all children. The Human Rights Unit in the Programme Group Leadership Team supports the Organisation in taking a human rights and child rights-based approach to its work at all levels, from policies to programmes. In particular, the Human Rights Unit focuses on promoting greater accountability for child rights, including through engagement with human rights mechanisms.

How can you make a difference?

The aim of the internship is to support UNICEF’s engagement with human rights mechanisms in Geneva, including the Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic review.

The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Geneva-based Human Rights Specialist, and will undertake the following tasks:

• Cover meetings at the Human Rights Council and follow side events and informal consultations on resolutions and prepare internal notes.
• Support the preparation of UNICEF’s input into the 50^th session of the Universal Periodic Review
• Attend sessions of other treaty bodies and take notes as required.
• Attend other meetings on relevant issues and take notes as required.
• Assist in other activities as required.

Learning benefits for the intern:

The intern will have direct exposure to international human rights mechanisms and learn about and contribute to UNICEF’s engagement with these mechanisms.

Duration: 25 August 2025 – 25 October 2025

Work Modality and environment: full-time, flexible working arrangement (both office and home based, in Geneva).

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• the following eligibility requirements.

Education field required:

• Strong interest in Human Rights, especially Child Rights
• Familiarity with international human rights mechanisms
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in English (knowledge of another UN language, especially French and/or Spanish an asset)
• Research experience and skills
• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Ability to work independently and within a set time frame
• Legal expertise is an asset
• Prior experience with permanent missions an asset

Language: English

Required documents as part of internship application.

• Proof of enrollment in a university graduate or undergraduate Program (or proof of completion during the past 2 years)
• Copy of the most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance
• Copy of Identification Card (ID)
• One letter of signed recommendation from an academic institution on letterhead or from a professional email address
• Proof of health insurance coverage valid for the full assignment duration

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

During the recruitment process, we may test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our interns, including leave entitlement and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children.

UNICEF Interns must have proof of medical insurance covering their time at the duty station.

UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer, without compensation, if a visa or Proof of health insurance coverage is not obtained, or necessary medical/inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

There is no expectancy of employment at the end of this internship.

Advertised: 09 Jul 2025 Romance Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Jul 2025 Romance Daylight Time

About the Organization

UNICEF is out to change the world for children vaccination by vaccination, blanket by blanket, biscuit by biscuit, book by book. In most of America, these things are considered completely ordinary. But in many parts of the developing world, they can save a child's life. UNICEF is unique among world organizations and unique among those working with young people. As a global movement, we use our authority to influence decision makers and diverse partners to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. In 155 countries and territories, UNICEF's field staff uses hard-won expertise to meet the challenges facing children and those who care for them. Our history has given us a profound understanding of development and the importance of child health, education, equality and protection in advancing humanity. All that we do helps children realize their full potential. In support of UNICEF's work, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF focuses on five major priorities: education, emergencies, HIV/AIDS, immunization and malnutrition.