Internship - Human Rights in Humanitarian action

Job Description

Work Location: OHCHR Geneva

Expected duration: 3 months

Duties and Responsibilities ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING

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 based in the Humanitarian Action Unit within the Emergency Response Section. The Unit supports the engagement of OHCHR leadership in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182 to:

• Strengthen collective humanitarian action,
• Formulate policy,
• Set strategic priorities, and
• Mobilize resources.

The Unit also supports OHCHR field presences around the world to respond to humanitarian crises and works to strengthen OHCHR organizational effectiveness, including through resource mobilization and staff training.

More information is available at: Our work on human rights in humanitarian action | OHCHR

Based in Switzerland, Geneva, under the Chief, Emergency Response Section, the intern reports to the Coordinator of the Humanitarian Action Unit.

This assignment may be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a total combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, and an initial commencement date ranging/starting from January 2025 to December 2025.

This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities.

Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

THE UNITED NATIONS IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE AND WELCOMES APPLICANTS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MIGRANTS AND/OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter.

A trusted partner and leading authority, advancing all human rights, for everyone, everywhere.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission, be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Masters degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelors degree or equivalent degree) preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR have graduated with a university degree as defined above AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in 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 French is an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (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.

Deadline : Dec 15, 2025