Development and Economic, Social Issues-Internship [Temporary]

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 internship opportunities located within the Development and Economic, Social Issues Branch (DESIB). The Branch facilitates OHCHR thematic work on economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) as well as on business and human rights, on the rights of persons with disabilities, on climate change and environment related issues as well as on migration. DESIB is comprised of five Sections/Teams, namely: the Human Rights and Economic and Social Issues Section, which facilitates OHCHR thematic work on economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) as well as on business and human rights, on the rights of persons with disabilities, on climate change and environment related issues as well as on migration; the Methodology, Education and Training Section, which develops policy, methodological tools, manuals, guidelines, training materials and other resources in key areas of human rights work; the Right to Development Section, which is responsible for the implementation of the mandate of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner on the realization of the right to development; the Sustainable Development Goals Section, which leads OHCHR efforts on human rights mainstreaming in development through inter-agency and inter-governmental processes and in particular in the context of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and the Management and Coordination Team.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the intern will be under the general direction of the Chief if Branch and supervision of the respective Chief of Section and reports to Human Rights Officer in the area of the assignment. This internship is normally offered for an initial period of three (3) months, with a possibility of extension up to a total period of six (6) months, with a commencement date ranging/ starting from January to 30 June 2018.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO INDICATE THEIR PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY IN THE COVER-LETTER OF THE PERSONAL HISTORY PROFILE (PHP).

The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.

In general, specific daily responsibilities of interns supporting DESIB will depend on the individual's background and duties may include but are not limited to: Researching and analyzing economic, social and cultural rights and other issues as required by the Section; Assisting with the provision of substantive input, as necessary, for other branches of OHCHR; Preparing reports, background materials and other relevant documents for the Secretary-General, High Commissioner and the Secretariat as well as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Council, and its subsidiary bodies, as necessary; Preparing for and servicing missions, meetings, seminars and workshops (e. g. preparation of documentation, drafting of notes and reports); Preparing for collaborative work and activities organized with other United Nations Departments, agencies and bodies; and Undertaking any other assignments as directed by the direct supervisor, the Section Chief or the Chief of Branch.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of application, 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) in the area of law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field, OR have graduated with a university as defined above AND, if selected, must commence the internship within one-year period from the date of graduation.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the internship programme though any relevant academic and/or practical experience, in particular in the area of legal or human rights affairs, would be an advantage.

Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications; 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.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English and/or French is required and knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language - Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish - would be an advantage.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for an informal interview after the review of their application. Incomplete Personal History Profiles (PHPs) will not be reviewed. For this reason it is crucial that the cover letter:

-Specifies the area of interest and earliest date of availability;
-Explains why you are a suitable candidate for this OHCHR internship assignment;
-Notes the title and date of the recently earned academic degree or the scheduled graduation date for study programme currently underway; and
-Indicates information technology (IT) skills and programs in which you are proficient.

IN YOUR PHP, BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL PAST EMPLOYMENT, IF APPLICABLE, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE - ACADEMIC OR OTHERWISE - AND THREE REFERENCES. IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS SHOULD INDICATE THEIR SPECIALIZATION AND/ OR AREAS OF INTEREST - IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE - AS THIS WILL ENHANCE THE VALUE OF THE INTERNSHIP FOR BOTH THE INTERN AND THE ORGANIZATION. DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, ONLY CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN SHORT-LISTED WILL BE CONTACTED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

In line with the United Nations Internship programme, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights internship provides a framework by which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations through assignment to Secretariat entities. The Programme endeavors to attract qualified students, offering them an opportunity to enrichen their educational experience through exposure to the work of the Organization. Equally, it provides the Office with the assistance of students specialized in various professional fields. Applicants are encouraged to apply for internships which relate directly to their studies, expertise and/or skills.

A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations Secretariat. An applicant who bears to a staff member any other family relationship may be engaged as an intern, provided that he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member. For purposes of this advertisement, “child” means (i) the child of a staff member; (ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (e.g. stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of a child of a staff member or a staff member’s spouse (e.g. son- or daughter-in-law). “Sibling” includes the child of both or either parent of a staff member and the child.

The internship is an unpaid (full-time) opportunity and the intern must adhere to the established weekly working hours of the duty station where the assignment is located, including one hour for lunch. Qualified individuals may apply directly to this and other opportunities with the United Nations Secretariat at: https://careers.un.org. For more information on the United Nations Secretariat Internship programme, please visit: https://www.unog.ch

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.