If you are passionate about human rights and want hands-on experience at the United Nations, this OHCHR internship in Geneva is a valuable opportunity. Within the Meetings and Documents Unit, you will help produce, process, and disseminate the official documentation behind the Human Rights Council, supporting the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
About the Role
The intern will report to the Meetings and Documents Unit (MDU) of the Office of the Director for the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. MDU contributes to the mandate of the High Commissioner by facilitating the production, processing, and dissemination of information on the promotion and protection of human rights, in the form of official documents and publications.
The internship is unpaid and full-time, working five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of MDU staff. You will be responsible for:
📋 Tracking and processing Human Rights Council documentation before and during the session
🗂️ Supporting the programming and processing of OHCHR documentation and monitoring its status throughout the entire pipeline
🌐 Providing inputs and content for the internal website, resources pages, and other information products
Daily Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities vary depending on your background, and may include:
📊 Compiling and updating daily status reports and spreadsheets on the readiness of documentation
🤝 Coordinating and corresponding daily with upstream OHCHR staff and downstream language service providers
🔍 Researching internal and publicly available information to compile future documentation requirements for OHCHR mechanisms
📝 Conducting research and analysis on assigned topics, and drafting correspondence and communication materials
📑 Assisting in the preparation of reports, briefs, and background documents for MDU management, and performing other duties as assigned
Who Can Apply
At the time of application, you must meet one of the following:
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or
🎓 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent)
In addition, you should:
⚖️ Have a demonstrated strong interest in human rights issues and a commitment to the values of the United Nations
🤝 Have a demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs
💻 Be computer literate in standard software applications, especially Microsoft 365
⏰ Be able to manage your time and priorities to ensure the timely completion of often time-sensitive tasks
No prior professional work experience is required, but a closely related field of study is required.
Languages
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is an advantage
The Details
📍 Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
📆 Anticipated start date: 31 August 2026
⏳ Duration: generally between 3 and 6 months, with 6 months encouraged for a more comprehensive experience
🕒 Type: unpaid, full-time (five days, 40 hours per week)
💶 Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
🛂 Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorisation
How to Apply
Apply through the UN careers portal, quoting job opening ID 279948. Applicants should clearly indicate their preferred internship duration.
Deadline
13 July 2026
