Internship - Human Rights (Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch)

Description du poste:

Work Location
Geneva

Expected duration
Initial 3 months starting from 01 July 2026 with possible extension of 3 months.

Duties and Responsibilities
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 the international internship with the Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch (DESC). Located in the Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSPD), the Branch facilitates OHCHR's thematic work on civic space, the right to development and related issues such as sustainable development, environment and climate change, economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR), business and human rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, children and youth, older persons, and migration. The Branch is comprised of four entities, namely: i) The Right to Development Section (RTDS), 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. It is also responsible for OHCHR's work on climate change and environment related issues as well human rights and corruption; ii) the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section (ESCR), which facilitates OHCHR thematic work on ESCR including health, water and sanitation, food and social protection, cities and local governments; iii) The Sustainable Development Section (SDS), which leads OHCHR efforts on financing for development and human rights mainstreaming in development through inter-agency and inter-governmental processes and, in particular, in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The team explores innovative methodologies and facilitates networks and partnerships to strengthen resilience at the community level and contribute to the Human Rights mechanisms. For more information on OHCHR's mandated activities please visit www.ohchr.org Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of Chief of the Branch and the guidance of the respective Chief of Section, the intern reports to the Chief of Branch. 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 01 July 2026. 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. Daily responsibilities of Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch human rights intern(s) will depend on activities carried-out within the assigned work unit and the individual's qualifications and competencies. Priority duties will include but are not limited to researching and analyzing issues on a wide range of thematic issues linked to the vision of a human rights economy, one of the flagship programs managed by the Branch. This may entail research, analysis and support to missions, meetings, seminars and workshops (e. g. preparation of documentation, drafting of notes and reports); assist with collaborative work and activities organized with other United Nations Departments, agencies and bodies; and perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, including supporting other OHCHR units, as necessary.

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 development economics, political economy, 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.

Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship. Knowledge of an additional the United Nations' official language is desireable (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

Additional Information
Not available.

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