Human Rights Intern

Assist in monitoring human rights developments and supporting UN mechanisms.

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Tuesday 25 Mar 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in monitoring human rights developments and supporting UN mechanisms.

You have:

  • To be enrolled in the final year of a first-level university degree program or enrolled in a graduate school program or have completed one of these degrees.
  • No prior working experience is required to apply.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of French is considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Nairobi

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 internships with the OHCHR East Africa Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Intern reports to the Head of the MCO and relevant Country and Thematic Support Units focal points under the overall coordination of the Head of the MCO. Daily responsibilities of the Human Rights intern may include but are not limited to- Monitor and analyze human rights developments and trends, including of economic, social and cultural rights, in the countries covered by the MCO, research and draft internal and external notes and reports within the assigned area and; prepare daily news updates with information on the human rights situation in those countries under the MCO; Support the engagement of stakeholders with the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies; Assist efforts to integrate human rights perspectives in national and regional development policies, plans and strategies; Assist with the organization of workshops and seminars; Participate and take notes in meetings/conferences, as requested; support the organization of meetings and events and perform other duties as requested by the 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 law, human rights, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field, AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated on the acceptance letter. 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

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 or would be an advantage.

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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to research a complex topic? This question assesses your research and analytical skills in potentially challenging situations. Provide a specific example, focusing on the steps you took to gather and analyze the information.
How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines? The interviewer is exploring your time management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe an experience where you worked with a diverse group of people. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your understanding of human rights, and why are they important? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever participated in organizing an event or meeting? What was your role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org