Human Rights Intern

Work LocationPalais des Nations, Building H Expected duration12.01-12.07.2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe intern under the general guidance of a primary supervisor will be assigned to the Women Human Rights and Gender Section (WHRGS) in the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch (ROLENDB), in Geneva, Switzerland. The Women's Human Rights and Gender Section (WHRGS) was established in 2007 to work on women's human rights and gender integration and to systematically inform all areas of OHCHR's activities. The Section works to protect and promote women's human rights by highlighting discriminatory laws and policies which allow gender-based discrimination and bring them in line with the international human rights law. In addition, the Section works to promote gender integration across OHCHR and broader UN planning and programmes. The Section also develops and supports High Commissioner leadership on women's human rights and gender equality, produces thematic reports, statements and tools pertaining to women's human rights and gender equality, internal guidance and conducts training, capacity-building and briefings in these areas, facilitates dialogue among stakeholders, and develops a network of experts and civil society organizations, including women human rights defenders, in order to leverage expertise and advance the women's human rights agenda. Qualifications/special skillsThe 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, preferably with a focus on gender related issues. 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. APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English is required, knowledge of another United Nations official language is an asset (i.e. French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish). Additional InformationNot available. Intern Specific textInterns 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 FeeTHE 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.