The Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.
This announcement broadcasts international internship assignments with the Investigation Support Unit (ISU) of the Emergency Response Section (ERS). Located in the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD), which is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of OHCHR's country engagement strategies, the Emergency Response Section coordinates rapid response activities and provides specialized technical and operational support to field presences, geographic sections and OHCHR leadership in the areas of peace missions, early warning and preparedness, fact-finding, investigation, establishment of investigative bodies and human rights in humanitarian action.
Situated within the Emergency Response Section, the Investigation Support Unit (ISU) conceptualises all types of investigative bodies, rapid deployment missions, including humanitarian emergency response missions and provides strategic expert advice on rapid deployment missions and human rights investigation to geographic sections. Its staff participates in the investigations of Commissions of Inquiry and Fact-Finding Missions mandated by the Human Rights Council or by other UN organs, or also in rapid deployment missions established under the general mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Furthermore, the Unit ensures OHCHR’s preparedness for rapid response in terms of financial resources (OHCHR Contingency Fund), logistics (operational equipment reserve) and human resources by managing and training the members of the Office's internal stand-by roster and by maintaining lists of external high level personalities and experts. The Investigation Support Unit also conducts field missions; and provides operational and technical support to OHCHR field presences. Investigation Support Unit has established a Start-up team to start the operationalisation of the HRC Resolution A/HRC/46/20 of 23 March 2021 on Belarus.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of the Head of Section and general guidance the Head of Unit the intern reports to the Coordinator of the Start-up Team on Belarus. This assignment shall be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, renewable for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with an initial commencement date ranging/starting from May 2021 to May 2022.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
This internship is an UNPAID and full-time engagement that 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. Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUESTED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY IN VIEW OF CONSTRAINTS REGARDING VISA ISSUANCE, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND ACCESS TO UN PREMISES. APPLICANTS MUST BE WILLING AND PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE THE INTERNSHIP REMOTELY FOR A PART OR THE ENTIRETY OF THE INTERNSHIP.
Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter.
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