The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is recruiting an intern for its Sri Lanka accountability project (OSLap) in Geneva, Switzerland, for six months. No professional work experience is required, and applications close on 20 January 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the official posting so you can see the tasks, the academic requirements and what your application must state.
Key Facts About This Internship
🏛️ Office: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
📍 Work location: Geneva, Switzerland
🗂️ Job family: Human Rights Affairs
🏷️ Category and level: Affiliate Personnel, Internships, I-1
📋 Recruitment type: Candidate Pool, Intern
🔢 Job Opening ID: 281381
⏱️ Duration: six (6) months, with an initial commencement date starting 1 September 2026
🕘 Engagement: full-time and non-remunerated
What the Sri Lanka Accountability Project Intern Does
The intern works under the general guidance of the Head of OSLap and in coordination with different members of the project, as required. The role supports OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people, to help empower people to realize their rights, and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.
Information and Data Tasks
Daily responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, assisting with tasks relating to:
🗃️ Reviewing, cataloguing and assisting in the analysis of information relevant to OSLap's mandate, including the extraction and consolidation of relevant information into structured datasets
📁 Maintaining and regularly updating internal repositories of documentation, reports and research materials related to human rights violations in Sri Lanka
📊 Analysing and organizing datasets and contributing to the production of statistical outputs and visualizations, where appropriate
🖥️ Supporting the development and enhancement of information management systems
Research and Analysis Tasks
📚 Conducting desk-based research on national and international accountability frameworks applicable to Sri Lanka, with particular attention to enforced disappearances
📝 Collecting, synthesizing and summarizing information and best practices from United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations and academic sources on issues related to accountability in Sri Lanka
🌐 Undertaking research and analysis of open-source information relevant to human rights violations and core international crimes
Coordination and Other Duties
📅 Supporting the planning, organization and coordination of meetings, events and other activities
🧩 Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, as appropriate
Purpose of the Internship
This internship provides a framework through which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the work of the United Nations by way of their service within Secretariat entities. If you are still comparing formats, our guide on fellowships, internships and traineeships explains how they differ.
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Academic Requirements
At the time of application, you must meet one of the following requirements:
🎓 Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
📜 Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent)
Preferred Fields of Study
Applicants should preferably have a background in:
⚖️ Law
🗳️ Political science
🌏 International relations
👥 Social sciences
🗄️ Records management or archival studies
🧭 A related field
Experience and Availability
No professional work experience is required for participation in the Programme. Applicants must be able to commence the internship on the date indicated in the letter of acceptance.
Language Requirements
🔤 Fluency in English is required for this internship.
💬 Knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala would be an advantage.
🏢 English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Qualities the Office Is Looking For
🤝 A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
🗨️ A demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
🔬 Attention to details, described in the posting as a paramount skillset
📣 Communication skills, also described as a paramount skillset
How to Apply
Apply through the United Nations Inspira system. In your application cover letter, indicate your present matriculation status and your period of availability.
No Fee at Any Stage
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meeting, processing or training. It also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. Our article on how we check opportunities explains how to spot suspicious requests.
Find more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project internship paid?
No. The posting describes this internship as a non-remunerated and full-time engagement. The United Nations also does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
How long does the internship last?
The assignment is offered for a period of six months, with an initial commencement date starting 1 September 2026 stated in the posting. Applicants must be able to commence on the date indicated in the letter of acceptance.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No professional work experience is required for participation in the Programme. You must, however, meet one of the academic requirements at the time of application.
Can I apply if I am a Bachelor's student?
You can apply if you are enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme, with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Students enrolled in a graduate school programme also qualify.
Which languages do I need for this OHCHR internship?
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala would be an advantage, and English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
What must I write in my cover letter?
Your application cover letter should indicate your present matriculation status and your period of availability. This is the specific information the posting asks applicants to provide.
Where will the intern work?
The work location is Geneva, Switzerland, within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The intern works under the general guidance of the Head of OSLap.
Deadline
⏳ 20 January 2027
Links
🔗 Apply on Inspira: https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=281381&languageCd=ENG
🖇️ Official job posting: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/281381?language=en
🏵️ About OSLap: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/sri-lanka-accountability/index
