Intern - Human Rights, Africa Branch

Support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission for human rights.

This opening expired 6 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Monday 2 Feb 2026 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission for human rights.

You have:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school programme or have completed an academic degree, preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field.
  • Fluency in English or French is required, working knowledge of the other is an asset.
  • Knowledge of Kirundi or Kiswahili is not desirable but is an asset.
  • Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations.
  • Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns.

Contract

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

Work Location

Burundi

Expected duration

01Sept2026-28Feb2027

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: To work for the protection of all human rights for all people; To help empower people to realize their rights; and To assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of the intern, under the general supervision of the Senior Human Rights Adviser (HRA) will depend on the individual's background and duties may include but not limited to compiling information on human rights, analysing key issues, collecting information and documents on specific human rights topics and, in particular, the intern may: Assist the HRA and staff in the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding the human rights situation in Burundi and subregion, including from diplomacy perspective; assist in the preparation of reports, documents and other written materials thereon such as Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) documents; Support the HRA team in researching and drafting documents on normative and institutional developments of human rights in Burundi as well as on incidents or cases of alleged human rights violations; Assist with responses to requests for information relating to the human rights situation in the country and the subregion; Assist in the organization of activities as part of the HRA workplan; assist in the arrangements of meetings, and take minutes of meetings; and Perform other related duties 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 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, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated in the Acceptance letter. APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMME.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English or French is required, working knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of Kirundi or Kiswahili is not desirable but is an asset.

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 a time when you helped to promote human rights? This question assesses your commitment and understanding of human rights principles. Share a relevant experience where you took action for human rights.
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple human rights issues? The interviewer wants to know your organizational skills under pressure. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods would you use to gather information on human rights violations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you have worked collaboratively in a team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why is it important to understand cultural contexts in human rights work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you think are present in human rights advocacy today? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle sensitive information related to human rights cases? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to pursue an internship in the field of human rights? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: careers.un.org