Work Location

Geneva, Switzerland

Expected duration

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 initial start date is asap.

Duties and Responsibilities

These positions are in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Section of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD). Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section, the Interns report to the Human Rights Officer. Duties may include but are not limited to assisting the Section in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding the human rights situation of countries in the Middle East and North Africa region and in the preparation of reports, documents and other written materials and, in particular, the interns may: – Assist Desk Officers in researching and drafting of individual cases of alleged human rights violations; support Desk Officers in responding to requests for information relating to the human rights situation in the region and/ or countries concerned; – Assist Desk Officers in preparing and updating Country profiles, briefing packages, daily and monthly updates/reports; – Support Desk Officers in the preparation of relevant documents on thematic and country specific human rights issues; assist Desk Officers in taking minutes of meetings, attending side-events, Human Rights Council sessions, Treaty Bodies review and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) review; 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 submission, be a graduate or enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or, be a graduate or enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor’s 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. APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.

Additional Information

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. 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.

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.