Applications are open for the 2024 Full-time International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Internship Program in Geneva, which will provide hands-on experience in human rights advocacy.

The Intern will collaborate closely with Programme Officers/Managers and Directors to support human rights defenders and strengthen human rights systems. Working within a small team provides hands-on experience in international human rights advocacy. Opportunities include collaboration with ISHR staff globally and gaining insight into multilateral human rights systems and policy advancements.

Interns fully engage in team activities, including staff meetings, offering a comprehensive understanding of international human rights NGO operations. They interact with human rights defenders and professionals from the UN and NGOs, both in-person and remotely. Practical sessions, guidance, and supervision from experienced program managers ensure that learning objectives are met. Approximately 15-20% of work involves administrative tasks.

Key Tasks

Fellows’ key tasks include the following:

• Assisting with global training and advocacy for human rights defenders.
• Supporting program staff in project implementation across strategic areas.
• Reviewing and providing contributions to relevant ISHR reports and research.
• Researching and compiling texts on specific human rights topics.
• Contributing to outreach, communications, and organizing thematic events.
• Monitoring and reporting on the UN and regional human rights meetings.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 12 May 2024 (Midnight Geneva time)
• Dates: 2 September 2024 – 28 February 2025
• Length: 6 months
• Work Percentage: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Reports to: Programme Officer/Manager or Director
• Funding Type: Stipend
• Organizer: International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Advanced undergraduate or graduate students
• Focus Area: Human rights, international relations, law, or related fields
• Study Level: Advanced undergraduate or graduate
• Host Country: Switzerland

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected fellows will benefit from the internship program as follows:

• A monthly stipend of CHF700
• Comprehensive training and networking opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

You should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants should be an advanced undergraduate or graduate student in related fields
• Be interested in pursuing a career in human rights, particularly in UN and regional systems
• Have excellent written and spoken English skills
• Be detail-oriented, autonomous, comfortable with limited supervision
• Have the ability to work in an international, multicultural team and diverse tasks

The following are the additional skills:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, French, Arabic, or Mandarin; interest in corporate accountability, women’s rights, or LGBTI rights; legal drafting and research; training/capacity building
• Per Geneva labor law, applicants must be enrolled in a degree or professional qualification program or about to start an advanced degree with a school agreement.
• Candidates with Swiss Student B Permit can work full-time only during holidays.

Required Documents

Following are the application supporting documents:

• Cover letter
• CV (no profile picture)
• Writing sample

How to Apply?

To apply for the ISHR Internship program, please submit your application with all required documents online through the link below:

Apply Now

Further details are available on the official ISHR Call.

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