Human Rights (Right to Development) Internship
Support the realization of the right to development through research and event coordination.
Overview
Support the realization of the right to development through research and event coordination.
You have:
- Must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
- Knowledge of an additional official UN language is 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
Geneva - This internship is designed to be full-time and in person but can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate.
Expected duration
This internship is full-time for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 months. The expected start date is 1 Oct, 2025. The start date, duration and modality (in-person or hybrid) can be adjusted on request of the successful candidate.
Duties and Responsibilities
This internship is located in the Right to Development Section (RTDS), Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch (DESIB), Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Intern reports to a Human Rights Officer. The Intern will support the Human Rights Officer in the implementation of the mandate of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner on the realization of the right to development. Tasks may include but are not limited to: - Conduct research and analysis on assigned topics related to the right to development, e.g. international cooperation and solidarity, trade and investment, development finance - Prepare for and service meetings, seminars and workshops: compile background materials, draft presentations, meetings notes and summaries, research and invite speakers and participants. RTDS organizes the annual session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development, two annual sessions of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, the annual Human Rights Council Social Forum, and other events throughout the year.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Languages
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 an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
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 your understanding of the right to development and its relevance to human rights? | The interviewer wants to assess your knowledge of key concepts relevant to the position. | Discuss the background and significance of the right to development, citing relevant examples. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple responsibilities? | The interviewer is looking for your time management skills and organizational capabilities. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to conduct research and ensure the accuracy of your findings? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you contributed to a team project. What was your role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you plan to adapt to a hybrid work environment during this internship? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are your thoughts on the role that trade and investment play in the right to development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you have prepared for a meeting or event? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Why are you interested in interning with the United Nations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |