Human Rights Internship (Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan)

Expected duration
FROM 3 TO 6 MONTHS

This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments with the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, which is mandated to investigate the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses, and international humanitarian law violations, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as other warring parties. Within that context, the Fact-Finding Mission is to collect, consolidate and analyse evidence of such violations and abuses, and to identify those individuals and entities responsible for them. The Fact-Finding Mission is also to make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures, with a view to ending impunity and addressing its root causes, and ensuring accountability, including individual criminal responsibility, and access to justice for victims.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, under the overall direction of the Coordinator, the interns report to the P4 staff of the Unit. This assignment shall be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from 15 March to 15 September 2024.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs – which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter.

The intern shall support OHCHR Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan in fulfilling its mandate: to assist in the investigations and analysis of human rights violations and abuses and international humanitarian law violations committed in Sudan since 15 April 2023 for all people; and to identify those responsible for these violations and abuses with a view to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims.

Duties and Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities of the interns will depend on the individual’s background and duties, but may include but are not limited to assisting with relevant research projects, online investigations, (remote) interviews, analysis of the evidence collected, report drafting, and coordination activities related to cooperation with other entities, including civil society, UN, AU and other relevant entities. The interns will help ensure that gender and diversity issues are integrated in all parts of the work of the Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission, be a graduate or enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or, 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) preferably in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR have graduated with a university degree as defined above AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date specified in the Acceptance letter.

APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is 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.