Purpose of the internship programme

1. Internships for graduate students are available at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). These internships are intended to: 

a) increase the intern's understanding of current human rights issues at the international level and give them an insight into the work of the United Nations and OHCHR in particular; and 

b) provide OHCHR and the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms with the assistance and contribution of outstanding young students or graduates.

Qualifications required

3. The participants in the internship programme are selected from graduate students and holders of graduate level degrees in disciplines related to the work of the United Nations, e.g. International Law, Political Science, History, Social Sciences. Preference will be given to those, within these disciplines, who have specialized in human rights issues. Typically, interns do not have previous working experience of this nature. Applicants must be sponsored by an academic institution and must have a good command of at least two of the six official languages of the United Nations, i.e. English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese. Drafting ability in either English or French is required. 

Internship dates and duration

4. The maximum number of interns accepted by OHCHR at any given time is 24. Interns are selected twice a year: in May/June, for the year's third quarter (1 July - 30 September) and fourth quarter (1 October - 31 December), and in November/December, for the following year's first quarter (1 January - 31 March) and second quarter (1 April - 30 June). Unless specifically contemplated under an agreement between OHCHR and an academic institution, internships are for a minimum period of three months and may be renewed once for a further three-month period. The maximum duration of internships at OHCHR is six months. When applying for an internship, candidates should indicate the quarter(s) for which they wish to be considered. 

Conditions of service

5. According to the prevailing Swiss legislation, asylum seekers are not permitted to seek any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, including internship. The legislation also extends to international organisations such as OHCHR. 

6. Interns are assigned to work with a supervisor who is responsible for providing them with a description of duties and a workplan. Upon completion of the internship, both the supervisor and the intern are required to complete a final report describing what was achieved during the internship. In addition, every intern is requested to complete an evaluation questionnaire on his/her assignment and to submit it to OHCHR's Administrative Section. 

7. United Nations internships are not remunerated and interns are not considered officials or staff members of the Organization. Travel costs and living expenses must be borne by the interns themselves or by a sponsoring institution. Interns are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining visas. In Geneva, interns are provided, upon arrival, with a Swiss ID card for the duration of the internship by OHCHR's Administrative Section. They are also provided with a U.N. ground pass, a library card and general information about OHCHR and the United Nations. 

8. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Interns must have their own health insurance. In case of illness or other circumstances which might prevent the completion of the internship, interns will inform their supervisor and OHCHR's Administrative Section. 

9. There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship and interns cannot apply for any regular or temporary position with the United Nations during the internship and for a period of six months following the expiration date thereof. 

10. Interns are expected to work full-time and to carry out the duties assigned to them. They do not accrue annual leave during the period of the internship. Otherwise they are bound by the same duties and obligations as regular staff members; in particular, all confidential and unpublished information obtained during the internship may not be used by interns without the written authorization of the United Nations. 

Procedure for applying

11. Applicants should submit the following documentation: 

• a covering letter stating the reason for applying to the internship programme, indicating the benefits which are expected to be derived from the internship and career goals;
• a duly completed and signed internship application form;
• a list of courses taken and transcripts of grades;
• sample of their research work.

13. Selected candidates are normally informed approximately one month before the starting date of the internship. Due to the large number of applicants, OHCHR is unable to inform unsuccessful candidates. Unsuccessful candidates may re-apply for following periods. 

Address for applications