Human Rights Intern at United Nations (On Site Role In Geneva, Switzerland)

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is accepting applications for a prestigious Human Rights Intern position based in Geneva, Switzerland. This role is situated within the Human Rights Council Branch, the very heart of international human rights mechanisms.

This is a unique opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates to work directly with the United Nations secretariat that supports the Human Rights Council. If you are passionate about international law, political science, and social justice, this internship offers an unparalleled platform to witness and support high-level diplomatic proceedings and human rights advocacy.

Detailed Role & Responsibilities

The intern will support OHCHR in its mission to protect human rights for all. The daily responsibilities are substantive and diverse, depending on the individual's background. Key duties include:

1. Meeting Support & Documentation

You will be at the center of the action during Council sessions. Tasks include:

• Drafting daily notes of proceedings for information sharing.
• Collecting and filing documents, statements, press releases, and verbatim points of order relating to agenda items.
• Preparing statistics reports on the Council's work, including data on participation, gender balance, and voting resolutions.

2. Research, Analysis & Reporting

Gain technical skills by assisting in the substantive work of the branch:

• Draft Reports: Assist in finalizing draft reports with precise verification of information.
• Trend Analysis: Contribute to the analysis of trends affecting the Council's work and suggest improvements.
• Complaint Procedure: Prepare draft summaries of communications falling under the Council's Complaint Procedure.

3. Outreach & Communications

• Follow up on parallel activities organized by NGOs and the Department of Public Information.
• Assist with outreach activities via the Human Rights Council Extranet, Twitter, and SMS alerts.
• Draft media highlights and respond to queries from NGOs.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, applicants must meet specific academic requirements at the time of submission:

1. Educational Status

• Graduate Students: Enrolled in a Master’s degree (or higher) programme.
• Final Year Undergraduates: Enrolled in the final academic year of a Bachelor’s degree programme.
• Recent Graduates: Candidates who have graduated with a relevant degree.

Preferred Fields: Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related fields.

2. Skills & Languages

• Languages: Fluency in English or French is required. Knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.
• Experience: No professional work experience is required. Your training and education should benefit the UN.

Critical Application Requirement: The Cover Letter

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Your cover letter MUST include the following four specific points to be considered:

1. Specific Interest: Explain your interest in OHCHR and human rights issues (political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, socio-economic dimensions).
2. Graduation Date: Clearly indicate your actual or scheduled graduation date.
3. IT Skills: List the IT programs in which you are proficient.
4. Availability: Specify your period of availability and earliest start date.

Logistics & Important Information

• Financial Status: This is an UNPAID internship. All costs (travel, visa, accommodation, living expenses) are the responsibility of the intern.
• Visa: Non-Swiss citizens/residents must obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss this before accepting the offer.
• Assessment: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted directly by hiring managers for an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this internship paid?
A: No. United Nations Secretariat internships are unpaid. Interns must cover their own living and travel expenses in Geneva.

Q: Can I apply if I have already graduated?
A: Yes, recent graduates are eligible to apply.

Q: Do I need prior work experience?
A: No. The program is designed for students and recent graduates; professional experience is not a requirement.

How to Apply

The application process is handled through the UN's Inspira platform. Ensure you have your three references and academic details ready.

Click Here to Apply: OHCHR Official Application Link

Application Deadline: 23 December 2025.