Intern in the Environment and Climate Change Unit

Assist in research and support the Environment and Climate Change Unit at OHCHR.

This opening expired 8 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Open positions at OHCHR
Logo of OHCHR

Application deadline 8 months ago: Monday 6 Oct 2025 at 03:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Assist in research and support the Environment and Climate Change Unit at OHCHR.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed a graduate school programme in Law, International relations, Political Science, Development or related subject.
  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme in Law, International relations, Political Science, Development or related subject.
  • Knowledge in the field of human rights and/or the environment is desirable.
  • Applicants must have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.
  • 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, Switzerland. This internship is designed to be in person.

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

As the leading UN entity on human rights, OHCHR has an independent mandate to promote and protect human rights across the world and to mainstream human rights throughout the UN system. OHCHR’s mandate, its expertise, convening power and partnerships, its role as custodian of the human rights mechanisms (Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review), and its experience with enhancing civic space and supporting human rights defenders, uniquely position the Office to support ambitious, rights-based environmental action. This is precisely the type of action that the IPCC, the HRC and other authorities have confirmed will result in more effective development policies that benefit both people and planet. OHCHR’s work on the environment, climate change and human rights is led by its Environment and Climate Change Unit in the Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch (DESIB) of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD). The internship will take place within the Environment and Climate Change Unit and the intern will report to the supervising Associate/Human Rights Officer. The intern will provide the Environment and Climate Change Unit with assistance in substantive areas of its work. Tasks will include: 1. Conduct research on substantive areas of work of the Environment and Climate Change Unit. 2. Support the drafting of a range of materials including reports, publications, newsletters and briefings. 3. Support the organization of events on issues related to the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. 4. Follow and support OHCHR engagement in a range of meetings, consultations, and briefings, including webinars, Multilateral Environmental Agreements, COPs and the Human Rights Council. 5. Monitor the latest scientific evidence and developments related to environmental crises, nuclear legacies, and their human rights impacts. 6. Support coordination with and the dissemination of information to OHCHR colleagues and partners. 7. Support the preparation of Human Rights Council mandated activities. 8. Support efforts to strengthen OHCHR work to advance the right to a healthy environment at the regional and country level.

Qualifications/special skills

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme in Law, International relations, Political Science, Development or related subject (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme in Law, International relations, Political Science, Development or related subject (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). 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. Knowledge in the field of human rights and/or the environment is desirable. Applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, especially MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

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

Describe a research project you have conducted in the field of human rights or environmental issues. The interviewer wants to assess your research skills and relevant experience. Provide a concise overview of the research objective, methods, and outcomes.
How would you support the drafting of materials for reports or publications related to human rights and the environment? To evaluate your writing and communication skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of an event you helped organize? What were your responsibilities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What approaches would you take to stay updated on environmental crises and human rights impacts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever worked in a team setting? Describe your experience and contributions. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why is the right to a healthy environment important in the context of human rights? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What skills do you think are essential for working in the Environment and Climate Change Unit? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where you are required to work under tight deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org