Internship

Contract

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

Work Location

On site

Expected duration

From 3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments with the Universal Periodic Review Branch (UPRB). Located within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD), the UPRB leads and acts as the Secretariat of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Created in 2006 through the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council (HRC), the UPR is a cooperative human rights mechanism of the HRC and a unique process that involves a review by the Council of the human rights records of all 193 United Nations Member States every four and a half years. By January 2022, all Member States had been reviewed in three occasions. In November 2022, the UPR started its fourth cycle that will conclude in 2027. With an ultimate aim to improving the human rights situation in all countries and under the auspices of the HRC, the UPR is a State-driven process that provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their respective countries, whilst fulfilling their human rights obligations. The UPR also reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms, while addressing human rights violations wherever they occur. As one of the main HRC features, of which currently no other universal mechanism exists, the UPR ensures equal treatment for every country when human rights situations are assessed. More information on the UPR can be found at https://www.ohchr.org/E. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of the UPR Branch, the intern reports to the Human Rights Officer responsible for the internship program within the UPR Branch. This assignment shall be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from 9 April 2024 – 9 October 2024. This assignment is on site, in Geneva. 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 UPR Branch interns will depend on the individual's background, and duties and may include but are not limited to assisting staff members in the servicing of countries' reviews before, during and after the UPR Working Group (WG) sessions. During the WG sessions, the intern will A). Assist in the drafting of small sections of the UPR WG report under the staff members supervision, through i). assisting in translating and drafting recommendations issued by delegations into English; and ii). assisting in translating and drafting summaries of the statements issued by delegations into English. B). Assist in Secretariat management related tasks, including compiling lists of delegations, drafting/translating correspondence to participants, handling new communication and technology tools implemented for fully virtual or hybrid sessions, drafting ad hoc summaries, providing data research and statistics support, supporting media related tasks, taking notes during UPR related side events, and other tasks connected with the session. The in-session assignments may change depending on the specific modalities of the sessions. During the HRC sessions (item 6), the intern will assist staff members in the drafting of small sections of the UPR Outcome report under the staff members supervision, through the translation of statements into English and drafting short summaries, as well as temporarily assist the HRC Branch in specific in-session activities, including in its hybrid modalities using new communication and technology tools. Out-session assignments may include but are not limited to: i). Assisting staff members in the preparation of UPR pre-session documents (compilation and summary), including research and analysis of human rights information and trends; ii). Assisting staff members in the finalization of documents and activities related to the most recent UPR WG session; iii). Helping in the indexing of the UPR recommendations and preparing infographics under staff members supervision; iv). Helping in the preparation and implementation of follow-up activities; v). Performing substantive and thematic research into specific areas of the UPR's work; vi). Assisting in the preparation and revision of training material; vii) Assisting in the preparation of daily notes, bullet points, electronic material (infographics, presentations and video snapshots); viii). Participating in the UPRB weekly meetings; and ix). Providing assistance in the accomplishment of any other task relevant to the UPRB activities such as organization of and/or participation in meetings, panels, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of the expression of interest, be a graduate or enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree); or be a graduate or enrolled in a second university degree programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher), preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter. Academic knowledge on human rights and international human rights mechanisms, including the UPR is desirable. Knowledge of on-line meeting platforms and tools such as Webex, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.… is desirable. Good IT skills and proficiency in MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, Power point are desirable. Previous background or technical IT skills in the area of databases, data research and analysis, graphic design and video production would be an asset. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. No work experience

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English is required, knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

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.