CIVICUS is looking for a Human Rights Intern to assist the implementation of its advocacy priorities at the UN in Geneva. The role is a remote, full-time, six-month internship with a stipend of USD 1,200 per month, starting in mid-January or on 1 February 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full job description and the application instructions and set out every detail below.
About CIVICUS
CIVICUS exists to defend people power. It describes itself as a growing global alliance of over 15,000 members in over 185 countries that work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. CIVICUS strives to promote excluded voices, especially from the Global South.
What the Role Is About
The Human Rights Intern contributes to background research on human rights issues and civil society participation issues, member support activities, event coordination and logistics, and communication. Under the supervision of the UN Advisor and the UN Advocacy and Network Officer, the role holder assists in the implementation of CIVICUS advocacy priorities in the context of its work with UN human rights mechanisms. The role also contributes to network engagement and member support activities. According to the job description, the position sits in the UN Hub - Geneva cluster, reports to the Cluster Lead Geneva and has no direct reports.
UN Advocacy and Member Support
🏛️ Assist CIVICUS' engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies
📝 Support the development of advocacy plans, statements and speaking points
🛡️ Support CIVICUS' members, partners and human rights defenders during their advocacy missions, including providing logistical arrangements
Event Coordination and Communication
🗓️ Support the organisation of events as appropriate, including logistical arrangements
📣 Assist the communications team in rolling out timely and effective communication materials
Research, Administration and Other Duties
🔎 Assist in human rights and civic space related research, including drafting of briefs and summaries
🗂️ Support administrative activities related to office and file management
🔧 Carry out any other duties related to the scope of work from time to time
Education and Experience Required
🎓 A Bachelor's degree or preferably a Master's degree in international relations, law, politics or relevant social sciences from a reputable university
💼 At least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
💬 Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
💻 Excellent IT skills, including experience with MS Office
🌐 Good understanding of international relations and policy making
🤲 Good understanding of the civil society landscape and global politics
👥 Ability to work in a team and network with a broad range of external stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds
Desirable Skills and Location
🗣️ Other languages are beneficial; Spanish or French is an asset
🇪🇺 Being based in Europe and willing to travel to Geneva 1-2 times during the internship if required (March 2027 and June 2027)
Timeline
⏳ Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST
🎤 Interviews will be conducted in December 2026
🚀 The successful candidate is expected to start in mid-January or on 1 February 2027
📬 Only shortlisted candidates are contacted within three weeks; all applicants are updated once the position has been filled
Stipend and Contract
The internship is a six-month, full-time contract with a stipend of USD 1,200 per month. If you are comparing funded placements, our guide to paid internships abroad explains how stipends and funded placements work.
How to Apply
Your application is submitted through the CIVICUS application form and should comprise:
📄 A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held and relevant achievements
✉️ A cover note of not more than one page outlining your motivation for applying for the role
CIVICUS advises applicants not to use autofill when completing the application form and to fill it out manually to avoid errors. AI-generated CVs/resumes and cover letters are not permitted: all application materials must be written by the applicant and accurately reflect the applicant's skills, qualifications and experience, and applications that contain AI-generated materials will not be considered. If you are unsure where the line is, read our advice on using AI to write your motivation letter. CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of its vacancies at any time.
Explore more placements in the Internship section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CIVICUS Human Rights Intern position paid?
Yes. The internship carries a stipend of USD 1,200 per month under a full-time, 6-month internship contract.
Where is the CIVICUS Human Rights Internship based?
The location is remote, within the UN Hub - Geneva cluster. Candidates based in Europe are desirable, with willingness to travel to Geneva 1-2 times during the internship if required, in March 2027 and June 2027.
What experience do I need to apply?
You need a Bachelor's degree, or preferably a Master's degree, in international relations, law, politics or a relevant social science, plus at least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment. Excellent English is essential, and Spanish or French is an asset.
When is the deadline and when does the internship start?
Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST. The successful candidate is expected to start in mid-January or on 1 February 2027, and interviews will be held in December 2026.
Can I use AI to write my CV or cover note?
No. CIVICUS states that AI-generated CVs/resumes and cover letters are not permitted, and applications containing AI-generated materials will not be considered.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply (CIVICUS BambooHR): https://civicus.bamboohr.com/careers
📄 Vacancy page: https://www.civicus.org/index.php/get-involved/work-with-us/8901-human-rights-intern-3
📑 Full job description (PDF): https://www.civicus.org/images/JD-HumanRightsInternGeneva112026.pdf
