Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Office of the 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. The intern, under the general guidance of a primary supervisor, will be assigned to the Senior Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion, based in the Executive Direction and Management (EDM) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The diversity and inclusion work at OHCHR is focused on the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations, organizational priorities, policies, guidelines, strategy development and other activities in relation to diversity and inclusion in the Office. 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 individuals 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. This internship 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. Responsibilities The intern, under the general guidance of a primary supervisor, will be assigned to the Senior Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion in the Executive Direction Management (EDM), and shall provide assistance to support the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations, organizational priorities, policies, strategy development and other activities in relation to diversity and inclusion at OHCHR. Daily responsibilities of the internship with the Executive Direction and Management will depend on activities being carried-out within the assigned work and the individual’s background. Duties may include but are not limited to undertaking research, conducting data and information analyses, and assisting with drafting of reports, notes and other documents to support the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of diversity and inclusion initiatives and programmes to enable a more inclusive and diverse workforce and working environment; and on other key issues in the assigned area. The intern will also assist with campaign development and outreach initiatives, and on ensuring the incorporation of gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in the diversity and inclusion work. The intern may also provide substantive and logistical assistance to the organization of meetings, workshops, consultations, seminars, panels, on the related subjects; contribute to the development of on-line and in person trainings and events; and perform other related duties requested by supervisor, as appropriate.
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. Excellent communication and drafting skills Strong analytical and research skills Knowledge international relations or organizations No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English is required (both oral and written), knowledge of French is an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
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.
No Fee
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.