Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Intern Special Procedures

Daily responsibilities of the Special Procedures human rights intern will depend on activities carried-out within the assigned work unit and the individual's background. Duties may include but are not limited to contributing to thematic reports or studies, including research of related literature, international law and jurisprudence and, in particular, the intern may:

• assist in the preparation of official country visits, in particular through the drafting of country specific human rights assessments;
• analyze human rights issues contained in cases and complaints addressed to the mandate holders;
• draft letters on particular cases and complaints taken up by mandate holders, including summarizing the human rights violations alleged in the case and preparing a short legal analysis of these violations;
• collect information and conduct research for the preparation of briefing notes, statements and other documents;
• take notes of meetings with different stakeholders, in particular civil society representatives;
• attend sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and assisting with the preparation of related activities and events; assist in the organization of meetings and seminars;
• translate documents;
• and perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate.

• 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.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.