Human Rights Intern
Undertake a full-time internship in the Human Rights Office in Brussels, Belgium.
Overview
Undertake a full-time internship in the Human Rights Office in Brussels, Belgium.
You have:
- Enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in law, political science or international relations or related field.
- Alternatively, be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent).
- Alternatively, have graduated with a university degree in law, political science or international relations or related field within one year of commencement of the internship.
- Be computer literate in standard software applications, in particular Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and views.
Contract
This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.
Work Location
BELGIUM
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The Office of the United Nations (UN) 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 with the OHCHR Regional Office for Europe (ROE). Established in 2009, the Regional Office for Europe works to advance the protection and promotion of human rights in the European Union (EU), within and among its member States. The Regional Office strives to address human rights issues in Europe by promoting the integration of United Nations human rights standards and principles into European Union-wide internal policies, implementation measures as well as national legislation. Moreover, the Office seeks to promote the integration of human rights standards and the human rights-based approach into European Union external action and policies. For more information on the OHCHR Regional Office for Europe and its work, go to: https://europe.ohchr.org. Based in Brussels, Belgium, under the overall direction of the Regional Representative, the intern reports to the Regional Representative or the respective Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. The internship assignment is for a period of six (6) months. 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. Special notes - Interns are not UN staff members and may not represent UN in any official capacity - The UN internship programme does not provide remuneration. - All internship related expenses – travel, insurance, living etc. – are the responsibility of the intern. - The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. - Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any UN post during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the end of the internship. - The intern must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan. - The UN accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness or death during the internship. The UN is committed to gender parity and workforce diversity. Individuals from minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. The internship is for six months. The internship is full-time. Interns work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member. Competencies - Demonstrated commitment to human rights. - Strong ability to work both independently and in teams. - Self-starter; organized; able to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities. - Efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
Qualifications/special skills
Education - Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher: university degree in law, political science or international relations or related field is required); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (university degree in law, political science or international relations or related field is required) as defined in (a) and/or (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation; - Be computer literate in standard software applications, in particular Microsoft Word and Excel; - Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; - Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
Languages
Languages Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is 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 provide an example of a time you advocated for human rights? | This evaluates your commitment and understanding of human rights issues. | Share a specific situation highlighting your advocacy and resolve. |
| Describe a situation where you had to work with a diverse team. | The interviewer wants to assess your teamwork and cultural understanding skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivated you to apply for this internship at the UN? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple responsibilities? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a cultural difference in a social or work environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Have you ever made a mistake while working in a team? How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you describe your technical skills and how they've prepared you for this internship? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you hope to learn from this internship? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |