The UN Advocacy Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking interns for its Geneva office. Ideally, the candidate will be available for three months starting in May 2019.
This internship is unpaid. However, interns may be reimbursed for their lunch and local travel costs as pre-approved by HRW and in accordance with HRW policy. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, and interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.
The internship will focus on the activities of the advocacy team before, during, and after the 41st Human Rights Council session and 32nd Universal Periodic Review (“UPR”), as well as various Treaty Body reviews and other meetings. The intern will be an active member of HRW's UN Advocacy Division and will intern closely with other staff members. The internship will involve:
- Attending Human Rights Council sessions, UPR, negotiations of draft resolutions, and other UN meetings and taking notes to enhance understanding of the material and brief the team on developments;
- Researching human rights issues concerning the UN human rights mechanisms in Geneva;
- Drafting correspondence and advocacy materials related to the Council and HRW advocacy goals;
- Organizing advocacy meetings and side-events at the Council; and
- Contributing to some administrative tasks related to HRW's advocacy activities.
- Strong proven oral and written command of English is essential and knowledge of French is desirable. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, and internet) are required.
- Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues.
- The ideal candidate should be a disciplined self-starter and a strong team player. Knowledge of the UN system is highly preferred.
- Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not Swiss or EU citizens or permanent residents, must possess a valid Swiss visa for the duration of the internship.