The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a Secretariat Department tasked with reinforcing international human rights mechanisms, promoting equality and countering discrimination, combating impunity, enhancing accountability and the rule of law, integrating human rights into development and economic activities, expanding democratic spaces, and providing early warning and protection of human rights in conflict, violence, and insecurity situations.

An intern, guided by a primary supervisor, will be assigned to the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) within the Rule of Law, Equality, and Non-Discrimination Branch (ROLENDB), based in Geneva, Switzerland. ARDS supports States, national human rights institutions, civil society, and the UN system in implementing human rights standards and eliminating racial discrimination through the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Section focuses on capacity-building, promotion, protection, prevention, and monitoring of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance globally.

The Section provides thematic advice and conducts research on issues such as incitement to hatred, hate speech, religious intolerance, multiple discrimination, and systemic racism. It also supports the mandates of six mechanisms addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

At the United Nations, the primary consideration in recruitment and employment is securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with attention to geographic diversity. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The UN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, recruiting and employing staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, culture, and disabilities. Accommodations may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

This internship is unpaid and full-time, offering a framework for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to gain exposure to the UN's work through service within Secretariat entities. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the UN, a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

The United Nations Secretariat operates in two languages: French and English. English proficiency is necessary for this internship, both in written and spoken forms. It would be advantageous to know another official language of the UN, such as Arabic, French, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 23, 2024.