Human Rights Intern: Middle East and North Africa

Assist with the human rights situation analysis in the Middle East and North Africa region.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline in 1 month: Tuesday 1 Sep 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist with the human rights situation analysis in the Middle East and North Africa region.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme or first university degree programme.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
  • Knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage.
  • Commitment to upholding human rights principles and cultural sensitivity.
  • Relevant coursework in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field.
  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Contract

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

Work Location

Internships are available on a full-time basis and can be conducted remotely or in-person.

Expected duration

3 months with possibility of extension up to 6 months This is a GJO used to build a pool of qualified candidates and will be used to fill internship vacancies between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 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

Competency: We are looking for a team player who is collaborative, reliable, and communicative, with a strong commitment to supporting colleagues and advancing the team’s shared mission of promoting and protecting human rights. Skills: Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, with a commitment to upholding human rights principles. Academic Qualifications: The applicant must: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent); Experience: No prior experience is necessary. We seek candidates with relevant coursework preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field. We are open to a broad range of project and research experience backgrounds. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

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 worked as part of a team to achieve a goal? This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills. Provide an example that illustrates your ability to work with others.
What interests you about human rights issues in the Middle East and North Africa? The interviewer wants to gauge your motivation and interest in the field. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle feedback and criticism in a professional setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a research project you have worked on. What was your role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach writing a report on a sensitive human rights issue? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What skills do you think are essential for promoting and protecting human rights? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of working with people from diverse backgrounds? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you think human rights are important in today's world? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 3 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org