UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, every right

Advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, is at the core of UNICEF’s mandate. In over 190 countries, UNICEF supports Governments and civil society in making the Convention on the Rights of the Child a reality for all children. The Human Rights Unit in the Programme Group Leadership Team supports the Organisation in taking a human rights and child rights-based approach to its work at all levels, from policies to programmes. In particular, the Human Rights Unit focuses on promoting greater accountability for child rights, including through engagement with human rights mechanisms.

How can you make a difference? 

The aim of the internship is to support UNICEF’s engagement with human rights mechanisms in Geneva, including the Committee on the Rights of the Child, Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic review.

The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Geneva-based Human Rights Specialist, and will undertake the following tasks:

• Attend sessions and pre-sessions of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and prepare internal notes for the record for use by UNICEF country offices.
• Cover meetings at the Human Rights Council and follow side events and informal consultations on resolutions and prepare internal notes.
• Undertake tasks in support of the preparation of General Comment 27 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on children’s access to justice and right to effective remedy.
• Attend sessions of other treaty bodies and take notes as required.
• Attend other meetings on relevant issues and take notes as required.
• Assist in other activities as required.

Learning benefits for the intern:

The intern will have direct exposure with international human rights mechanisms and learn about and contribute to UNICEF’s engagement with these mechanisms.

Duration: 9 weeks

Work Modality and environment: full time, flexible working arrangement (both office and home based).

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Strong interest in Human Rights, especially Child Rights and be enrolled in a related graduate or undergraduate program.
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in English (knowledge of another UN language, especially French and/or Spanish an asset)
• Research experience and skills
• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Ability to work independently and within a set time frame
• Legal expertise an asset
• Prior experience with permanent missions an asset

Minimum requirements:

• Letter of verification from the college or university that the intern is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school. It should also state the expected graduation date.  Recent graduates are allowed until 2 years after degree completion.
• Copy of their most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance
• Copy of Identification Card (ID)
• One letter of signed recommendation on letterhead or from professional email address
• Certification of valid health insurance coverage for the whole internship duration

For every Child, you demonstrate... 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are...
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:  

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children

UNICEF will not cover costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the intern’s service, whether on or off UNICEF premises. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to start the internship.

Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for International positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship.