Human Rights Intern

Support the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as an intern.

This opening expired 16 days ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 16 days ago: Tuesday 30 Jun 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as an intern.

You have:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree (Bachelor's).
  • Enrolled in a Master's degree or have completed an equivalent degree, preferably in law or human rights.
  • No working experience required to apply for the internship programme.
  • Fluency in English is required for this internship.
  • Knowledge of French is an asset and knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
  • Demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to its ideals.

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, Kenya

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. 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 intern shall support OHCHR MCO in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. The Intern reports to the Deputy 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 MCO’s work related to the dissemination of international standards and relevant activities of OHCHR on social media platforms; 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

Describe a situation where you had to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This assesses your ability to navigate cultural differences in a diverse workplace. Provide a specific example that showcases your adaptability and respect for diversity.
How do you approach research and analysis of human rights issues? This evaluates your analytical skills and understanding of human rights. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work for the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a report or presentation you've prepared? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with tight deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about the role of the OHCHR in promoting human rights? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to advocate for a cause or idea. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep yourself updated on current human rights developments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 29 days ago - Updated 16 days ago - Source: careers.un.org