Human Rights Internship

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 internships with the OHCHR East Africa Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Intern reports to the Head of the MCO and relevant Country and Thematic Support Units focal points under the overall coordination of the Head of the MCO.

Daily responsibilities of the Human Rights intern may include but are not limited to

• Monitor and analyze human rights developments and trends, including of economic, social and cultural rights, in the countries covered by the MCO, research and draft internal and external notes and reports within the assigned area and;
• prepare daily news updates with information on the human rights situation in those countries under the MCO;
• Support the engagement of stakeholders with the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies;
• Assist efforts to integrate human rights perspectives in national and regional development policies, plans and strategies;
• Assist with the organization of workshops and seminars;
• Participate and take notes in meetings/conferences, as requested;
• support the organization of meetings and events and perform other duties as 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 (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, human rights, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field, AND,
• if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated on the acceptance letter.
• 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.

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 an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language or would be an advantage.

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.