Work LocationGENEVA Expected duration3 months, renewable Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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 internship assignments based in the Accountability and Judicial Cooperation Section (AJC Section) located in the Human Rights Inquiries Branch (HRIB), which provides support to the Human Rights Council mandated human rights investigations and OHCHR investigations relating to accountability and judicial cooperation processes. The Human Rights Inquires Branch is comprised of the Inquiry Support Section; Accountability and Judicial Cooperation Section; Information System and Digital Support Section; and Administrative Support Unit. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the general guidance of the Head of the Section, the intern will work in close coordination with all sections in HRIB to support the accountability work of the Branch. The assignment may be offered for an initial period of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension up to a total combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, and an initial commencement date ranging/starting from January to February 2026. This internship is unpaid and full-time based in Geneva. The internship 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. Applicants should indicate their present matriculation status and period of availability in the application cover letter. RESPONSIBILITIES: The intern shall support OHCHR in fulfilling its mission: to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented. Daily responsibilities of the intern in the Accountability and Judicial Cooperation Section will depend on the individual's background and duties may include, but are not limited to: assist in the legal analysis of information that has been collected and preserved by investigative bodies and OHCHR; conduct legal research on issues of international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law; assist in the draft note verbales, responses to requests for assistance and requests for information; attend meetings for the AJC Section on matters related to accountability and judicial cooperation, and perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate. Qualifications/special skillsTo 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) in the area of law, human rights, 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. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience to participate in the programme. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish). Additional InformationNot available. Intern Specific textInterns 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. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.