Internship - Human Rights
Support human rights initiatives and assist with research analysis.
Overview
Support human rights initiatives and assist with research analysis.
You have:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree).
- Preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, or social sciences.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an asset.
Contract
This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.
Work Location
Pretoria
Expected duration
6 months - January 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative and Human Rights Officer of the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa, daily responsibilities of the OHCHR ROSA Human Rights intern; will depend on the individual's background and specific duties may include but are not limited to assisting with the preparation and organization of activities related to specific thematic and country aspects of the human rights situation in the sub-region, including from a gender perspective, and in particular, the intern may: Conduct substantive research and analysis and prepare analytical briefs and updates on specific thematic and/or country aspects of the human rights situation in the sub-region; Collect and analyze human rights data and indicators in the sub-region, including gender-specific data and indicators; Support activities to promote State party, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) engagement with human rights mechanisms and strengthening national mechanisms for reporting and follow up; Support engagement with UN country teams in the sub-region on human rights; Support work on implementation of the outcomes of international human rights mechanisms; Provide support to engagement on human rights with relevant national and regional stakeholders in the sub-region, including follow-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making, human rights and other relevant entities; Help promote human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, and help ensure that they are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes; Assist in the development and implementation of training programs in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives, including follow-up on different cases and situations verified by the Regional Office; Serve as note-taker at meetings, drafting a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, et cetera, including to policymaking bodies; and Perform other duties requested by 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 a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree), preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese 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 conducted research on human rights issues? | The interviewer is interested in your practical experience in research related to human rights. | Discuss a relevant project or experience that showcases your research skills. |
| How do you ensure gender perspectives are integrated into human rights discussions? | This assesses your understanding of gender issues in human rights contexts. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to engage with stakeholders in human rights initiatives? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with drafting reports or briefings. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced in promoting human rights and how did you overcome them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you support the implementation of international human rights mechanisms? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a situation where you analyzed data for human rights purposes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What inspires you to work in the field of human rights? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |