Internship - human rights

Support efforts to end violence against children through research and participation.

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SRSGVAC - Office of the Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Monday 15 Sep 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support efforts to end violence against children through research and participation.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or be enrolled in, or have completed, the FINAL academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent).
  • Fluency in English and at least one of the other UN languages is required; knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is a strong asset.
  • No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme; training, education, advance coursework or skills should benefit the United Nations during the internship.
  • Must obtain a G4 visa if not a US citizen or permanent resident.

Contract

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

Work Location

In person in New York or remote, full time or part time modalities would be considered.

Expected duration

Expected duration: 3-6 months. Desired start date: Fall 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

Guided by General Assembly resolution 62/141, in which the Assembly established the mandate, the Special Representative is a global, independent advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. The SRSG acts as a bridge builder and a catalyst of actions in all regions, and across sectors and settings where violence against children may occur. She mobilizes action and political support to maintain momentum around this agenda and generate renewed concern at the harmful effects of violence on children; to promote behavioral and social change and to achieve effective progress. The mandate of the SRSG is anchored in human rights standards, promoting the universal ratification and effective implementation of core international conventions. The SRSG cooperates closely with human rights bodies and mechanisms, with UN funds and programmes and specialized agencies, and with regional organizations. She also promotes cooperation with national institutions and civil society organizations, including children and young people. The SRSG makes use of mutually supportive strategies, including the contribution to strategic meetings at the international, regional and national levels, the identification of good practices and experience across regions, sectors and settings; the organization of field missions; and the promotion of thematic studies and reports. •Support monitoring of relevant developments regarding efforts to end violence against children; •Assist with routine administrative tasks related to the work of the Office of the SRSG-VAC; •Assist in organizing conferences, events, and meetings; •Assist with note-taking and writing summaries/action points of internal and external meetings; •Assist members of the team with research and other related tasks; •Assist regional focal points in research at national, sub-regional and regional levels, updating country profiles and preparing country visits in the affiliated region. •Assist the team members in strengthening child participation in the work of the Office, including in preparing and translating child friendly documents, collecting and documenting child and youth-led initiatives to eliminate all forms of violence at local, national, sub-regional, and regional levels, and helping grow the network of organizations encouraging children’s participation in vulnerable settings; •Accompany team members to online and/or in-person meetings with delegates from Permanent Missions to meetings with other Secretariat offices and to sessions of the Security Council, General Assembly and other multilateral meetings; •Perform any other functions as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the FINAL academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. Have you completed an UN Internship before? If yes, please include the UN entity, as well as, assignment dates.

Languages

English and French one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship advertised, fluency in English and at least one of the other UN languages is required. Knowledge of other official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is a strong asset.

Additional Information

Visa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship.

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

What motivates you to work in the field of human rights, specifically addressing violence against children? The interviewer wants to gauge your passion and commitment to the cause. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in human rights.
How do you approach research tasks when there is limited information available? This question assesses your research skills and adaptability in challenging situations. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe a time when you facilitated a group discussion or meeting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you ensure that children’s voices are included in discussions about policies affecting them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you consider the most pressing issue regarding violence against children today? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to mobilize political support for initiatives aimed at ending violence against children? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where your recommendations were met with resistance by key stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org