The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization to promote international co-operation. A replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, the organization was established on 24 October 1945

The Office of the United Nations 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 internships with the OHCHR East Africa Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Nairobi, Kenya.

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.

The intern shall support OHCHR MCO in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.

Responsibilities or duties

The Intern reports to the Deputy Head of the MCO and relevant Country and Thematic Support Units focal points under the overall coordination of the Head of the MCO. Daily responsibilities of the Human Rights intern may include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and analyze human rights developments and trends, including of economic, social and cultural rights, in the countries covered by the MCO; research and draft internal and external notes and reports within the assigned area and; prepare daily news updates with information on the human rights situation in those countries under the MCO;
• Support the MCO’s work related to the dissemination of international standards and relevant activities of OHCHR on social media platforms; support the engagement of stakeholders with the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies;
• Assist efforts to integrate human rights perspectives in national and regional development policies, plans and strategies;
• Assist with the organization of workshops and seminars; participate and take notes in meetings/conferences, as requested;
• Support the organization of meetings and events and perform other duties as requested by the supervisor, as appropriate.

Qualifications or requirements 

To qualify for the United Nations Secretariat internship programme applicants must, at the time of their submission,

• be enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree);
• be enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or have completed an aforementioned academic degree, preferably in the area of law, human rights, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field, AND, if selected, must commence the internship on the date indicated on the acceptance letter.

Experience needed

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.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

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.

• Monitor and analyze human rights developments and trends, including of economic, social and cultural rights, in the countries covered by the MCO; research and draft internal and external notes and reports within the assigned area and; prepare daily news updates with information on the human rights situation in those countries under the MCO;
• Support the MCO’s work related to the dissemination of international standards and relevant activities of OHCHR on social media platforms; support the engagement of stakeholders with the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies;
• Assist efforts to integrate human rights perspectives in national and regional development policies, plans and strategies;
• Assist with the organization of workshops and seminars; participate and take notes in meetings/conferences, as requested;
• Support the organization of meetings and events and perform other duties as requested by the supervisor, as appropriate.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs
• Willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views

• Enrolled in the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (i.e. Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree)
• Enrolled in a graduate school programme (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent degree, or higher) or have completed an aforementioned academic degree, preferably in the area of law, human rights, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field