UN OHCHR Special Procedures Internship 2026 in Geneva (Candidate Pool)

Introduction

Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about international human rights law? Do you want to gain hands-on experience supporting independent human rights experts at the highest level of the United Nations? The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is now accepting applications for its Special Procedures Internship in Geneva, Switzerland — and it may be the perfect launching pad for your career.

This full-time internship places you at the heart of the UN’s human rights mechanisms. Working directly with the Thematic and Special Procedures Division in Geneva, you will assist Special Rapporteurs, Working Groups, and Independent Experts. Your daily responsibilities will include drafting thematic reports, preparing official country visits, analyzing complaints of human rights violations, and taking notes during Human Rights Council sessions. The initial assignment spans 3 months, with the possibility of extension up to 6 months.

If you are currently completing your undergraduate or graduate degree in law, international relations, or political science and want to make a tangible contribution to global human rights protection, read on to discover the eligibility criteria, job responsibilities, and how to apply before the December 30, 2026 deadline.

Quick Overview

Provider	Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Program Type	Internship (Candidate Pool)
Study Level	Final-year Bachelor’s or Graduate students
Funding	Unpaid
Open To	All Nationalities
Deadline	30 December 2026

---

Financial Structure

Please review the specific structure for all United Nations Secretariat internships before applying:

• Unpaid Position: This internship is non-remunerated. Interns are not financially paid by the United Nations.
• Personal Responsibility: All costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses in Geneva are the sole responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.

---

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Working within the Special Procedures Sections, your daily responsibilities will depend on your assigned unit (Equality and Non-Discrimination, Rule of Law, or Economic/Social Rights) and may include:

• Assisting in the preparation of official country visits by drafting country-specific human rights assessments.
• Analyzing human rights issues contained in cases and complaints addressed to mandate holders.
• Drafting letters on particular cases and complaints, summarizing alleged violations and preparing short legal analyses.
• Collecting information and conducting research for briefing notes, thematic reports, and statements.
• Taking notes during meetings with diverse stakeholders, particularly civil society representatives.
• Attending sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and supporting related events.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship paid?

No, the United Nations does not offer financial remuneration for internships. Interns must cover their own travel and living expenses in Geneva.

Do I need prior work experience to apply?

No formal professional work experience is required to participate in the UN Internship Programme. It is designed to give students and recent graduates exposure to the UN’s work.

What is a Candidate Pool Job Opening?

A candidate pool opening collects qualified applicants over an extended period. OHCHR will draw from this roster to fill various Special Procedures internship vacancies between now and the end of the year.

To be eligible for the OHCHR Special Procedures Internship, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

You must meet one of the following academic criteria at the time of submission

Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (Master’s degree, equivalent, or higher).

Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s degree).

Preferred fields of study include law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field.

No prior professional work experience is required.

Language Requirements

Required: Fluency in spoken and written English is strictly required.

Advantage: Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.

If you are ready to join the candidate pool for this internship, follow these steps:

Visit the official UN Inspira application portal using the link below.

Log in or create a new UN Inspira profile.

Complete your Personal History Profile (PHP), ensuring your academic enrollment and language skills are accurately detailed.

Submit your application prior to the December 30, 2026 deadline. Ensure you state your period of availability in your cover letter.

Apply Now →

For more information, please visit the

UN Careers official website.