2439 Intern - Human Rights

Background

Purpose

 

The purpose of this Internship is to provide support to the work of the Human Rights Team in the RCO Serbia during implementation of the 2022 Annual Work Plan (AWP) in period June – August 2022. The activities will mainly relate to the implementation of activities in the area of transitional justice and combating hate speech.  

 

Objective

 

The objective is to effectively support the Human Rights Team in execution of the planned activities in transitional justice support and monitoring and follow-up to the Action Plan of the UN Country Team in Serbia on combating hate speech.

 

Background Information

 

The Human Rights Team (HRT) to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT in Serbia was established in 2007 to support the Office of the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Serbia in monitoring the human rights situation and assists the Government of Serbia, National Human Rights Institutions and CSOs to develop capacities for promotion and protection of human rights in Serbia.  

 

It remains recognized as the competent UN authority for technical cooperation and advisory support related to implementation of the human rights standards enshrined in the treaties and specific recommendations from the UN Human Rights Mechanisms (HRMs). This recognition comes from the governmental partners, the UNCT, civil society, NHRI and other stakeholders. Main achievements of the HRT in the previous period up to now relate to the: a) mainstreaming of the human rights standards in normative work and legal reform, in particular as concerns human rights of persons with disabilities, national minorities and Roma, LGBTI and anti-discrimination b) effectiveness of the newly established NMRF, which contributed to a better quality and inclusive reporting and follow-up c) adoption of mid and long-term strategic frameworks in line with HR standards and commitments d) increasing compliance of the UN programming in Serbia with the HRBA, e) increased civic participation in advocacy, policy making and overall HR engagement with Government and the HRMs, f) improved UNCT programming, in line with the HR standards, and HRBA streamlined in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2024.

 

The intern will work closely with the Human Rights Team staff on regular and specific tasks and activities that support implementation of the abovementioned priorities, in line with guidance and under direct supervision of the Human Rights Advisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Advisor and throughout the duration of the Internship Agreement, the Intern will be expected to perform an array of duties that administratively and technically support Human Rights Team activities. These tasks include but are not limited to the implementation of activities under the AWP and other streams of work, as per weekly plans approved by the HRA.

• Strengthening Rule of Law and accountability for human rights violations 
• Enhancing and Protecting Civic Space and people’s participation
• Enhancing equality and countering discrimination
• Increasing implementation of the international human rights mechanisms’ outcomes.

Competencies

• Interested in working in human rights domain in an international organization, specifically human rights, transitional justice or hate speech
• Able to communicate effectively 
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities
• Responds positively to feedback and different points of view
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Enjoys sharing knowledge and experience
• Displays sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

 

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in one of the following fields: political science, sociology, economics, and other related academic fields.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in: political science, sociology, economics, and other related academic fields.
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program (as defined in (a) and (b) above).

Field of study: Law, Political Science or Social Science.

 

Language requirement:

 

• Excellent knowledge of written and oral English and Serbian.

Family relationship

 

A person who is the child or sibling of an HRT staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship with the HRT. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a HRT staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.

 

Status

 

Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with HRT, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9). 

 

Interns must not represent HRT in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf, unless specifically indicated by the HRA. 

 

Duration

 

The normal duration of internship is no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns.

 

Medical Insurance

 

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

 

Expenses

 

Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.

 

Subsequent Employment

 

There is no expectation of employment with HRT following an internship.

 

Termination 

 

The internship can be terminated by either HRT or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice. 

 

Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:

 

The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development. 

 

Offices must:

(a) Ensure that an intern’s assignment is at the appropriate level of complexity and variety;

(b) Ensure proper supervision of the intern;

(c) Ensure that the intern is informed of UN’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

(d) Prepare terms of reference describing the tasks of interns in the office; and

(e) Provide constructive feedback to the intern regarding their performance.

 

Applications not in accordance with the mandatory requirements will NOT be considered.

 

The shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the following documentation: 

 

• Copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae.
• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, or copy of diploma if already graduated.
• Copy of his/her school transcript.
• Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member.

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:

 

• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement; In Serbia, UNDP acts as administrative agent for UN Resident Coordinator - Human Rights Team (HRT).
• Medical Certificate of Good Health;
• Proof of medical insurance valid for Serbia; and
• Proof of life/accidental death insurance valid for Serbia.

 

More information available at: https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/jobs/types-of-opportunities/internships.html

 

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.