Human Rights (Right to Development) Internship

Support the Human Rights Officer in implementing the right to development mandate.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Open positions at OHCHR

Geneva (Switzerland)

Internship Human Rights

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Application deadline in 21 days: Monday 31 Aug 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the Human Rights Officer in implementing the right to development mandate.

You have:

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.
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.

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Details

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.

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Potential interview questions

Can you provide an example of a research project you worked on related to human rights or development?	This assesses your ability to conduct research on relevant topics.	Briefly describe the project, your role, and the outcome.
How do you handle working in a team to organize events or workshops?	This evaluates your event management and teamwork skills.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to apply for this internship with OHCHR?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex issue and present your findings.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about the right to development?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you prioritize tasks when given multiple assignments?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Do you have experience working with diverse groups? How did you ensure inclusion?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you anticipate in this internship and how would you address them?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.