Intern Human Rights /Communications

Geneva

This assignment may be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a total combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, and an initial commencement date ranging/starting from 30/04/2026 to 30/10/2026.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department leading the human rights work of the United Nations. OHCHR is responsible for supporting the international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in sustainable 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. The intern will be assigned to the Sustainable Development Section (SDS) located in the Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch (DESC) based in Geneva, Switzerland. SDS leads OHCHR’s work to integrate human rights into sustainable development and global economic policymaking. SDS provides policy guidance, tools, analysis, capacity building and technical advice across global, regional and national levels to ensure development strategies are grounded in human rights and effectively reduce inequalities. SDS seeks to increase the visibility and outreach of its work including through information available on the OHCHR website, its intranet, communication and awareness materials for both internal and external consumption, as well as creative ideas for reaching various audiences.

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). (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Education background in law, communications, international relations is desirable. No prior experience is necessary. Ability to design and develop communications and outreach tools is an added advantage.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Not available.

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.

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.