Internship - human rights

Work LocationIn person in New York or remote, full time or part time modalities would be considered. Expected durationExpected duration: 3-6 months. Desired start date: February 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesGuided by General Assembly resolution 62/141, in which the Assembly established the mandate, the Special Representative is a global, independent advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. The SRSG acts as a bridge builder and a catalyst of actions in all regions, and across sectors and settings where violence against children may occur. She mobilizes action and political support to maintain momentum around this agenda and generate renewed concern at the harmful effects of violence on children; to promote behavioral and social change and to achieve effective progress. The mandate of the SRSG is anchored in human rights standards, promoting the universal ratification and effective implementation of core international conventions. The SRSG cooperates closely with human rights bodies and mechanisms, with UN funds and programmes and specialized agencies, and with regional organizations. She also promotes cooperation with national institutions and civil society organizations, including children and young people. The SRSG makes use of mutually supportive strategies, including the contribution to strategic meetings at the international, regional, and national levels, the identification of good practices and experience across regions, sectors and settings; the organization of field missions; and the promotion of thematic studies and reports. Key tasks include: • Support monitoring relevant developments regarding efforts to end violence against children. • Assist with routine administrative tasks related to the work of the Office of the SRSG-VAC. • Assist in organizing conferences, events, and meetings. • Assist with notetaking and writing summaries/action points of internal and external meetings. • Assist members of the team with research and other related tasks. • Assist regional focal points in research at national, sub-regional and regional levels, updating country profiles and preparing country visits. • Assist in strengthening child participation, including preparing and translating child-friendly documents, documenting child and youth-led initiatives, and growing networks supporting child participation. • Accompany team members to online and/or in-person meetings with delegates from Permanent Missions and other UN bodies. • Assist with preparation of the 15th Anniversary of the Mandate and public information materials (press releases, social media, presentations, documents). • Perform any other functions as requested by the supervisor. Qualifications/special skillsTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the FINAL academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship. LanguagesEnglish and French one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the internship advertised, fluency in English and at least one of the other UN languages is required. Knowledge of other official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is a strong asset. Additional InformationVisa and Work Authorization Mandatory Requirements: For internships in the United States of America, persons who are not United States citizens, permanent residents or on another non-immigrant (such as F1 or J1 visa) status, will be required to obtain a G4 visa. The selected person will be responsible for ensuring that they have a valid visa, and approved employment authorization (CPT/OPT/AT), allowing them to undertake the internship. 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.