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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Rule of Law and Democracy Intern

GENEVAGrade I-1Affiliate Personnel – InternshipsUN
Closing in 4 daysPosted Jul 13, 2026

Expected duration

from 3 to 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support the work of the Rule of Law and Democracy Section (ROLDS) within the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space (RACS) Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Under the supervision of intern coordinator of the Section and the overall guidance of the Chief of Section, the intern will assist in conducting research and analysis on issues related to the rule of law, democratic governance, accountability, and human rights.

Responsibilities include monitoring developments in Member States, preparing background notes, briefing papers, and reports on thematic and country-specific issues, and contributing to the design and implementation of projects aimed at promoting equality, widening democratic space, and integrating human rights in governance. The intern will also support the organization of meetings, workshops, and consultations, compile and maintain databases of relevant legislation and best practices, and assist in drafting summaries of meetings and official correspondence.

Additionally, the intern will help prepare communication materials, including web content and presentations, and perform other tasks as required to support the Section’s mandate and activities.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme, 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, 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.

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship Have a demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and willing to understand and respect differing opinions and views.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship fluency in English or French is required, knowledge of the other is an asset. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Intern Specific text

Interns 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.

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