United Nations
Internship – Human Rights
Organization: United Nations
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Duration: 6 months – January 2026
About the Internship
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) seeks a Human Rights Intern to support the Regional Representative and the Human Rights Officer. This unpaid internship offers hands‑on experience in research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the promotion of human rights across the sub‑region.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and organising activities related to the human rights situation in the sub‑region, including gender considerations.
- Conduct research and analysis and prepare briefs and updates on thematic and country‑specific human rights issues.
- Collect and analyse human‑rights data and indicators, including gender‑specific data.
- Support engagement of State parties, civil society organisations, and national human rights institutions in reporting and follow‑up processes.
- Collaborate with UN country teams on human‑rights matters in the sub‑region.
- Assist in implementing outcomes of international human‑rights mechanisms.
- Engage national and regional stakeholders and monitor implementation of decisions by policy‑making and human‑rights bodies.
- Promote human‑rights issues, with a focus on gender equality, and integrate them into political, humanitarian and economic programmes.
- Help develop and implement training programmes on human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy, and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
- Serve as a note‑taker at meetings and draft reports, communications, briefings, and statements.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s or equivalent) or in the final year of an undergraduate degree, preferably in law, political science, international relations, or a related social science discipline.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an asset. French and English are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Application Details
Interns are not financially remunerated. All travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of South Africa may need to obtain a visa; applicants should confirm visa requirements before accepting the offer.
Open until filled.
How to Apply
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