The Universal Rights Group (URG) is currently seeking an intern to start in January 2016, for a period of 3-6 months (negotiable). The successful candidate will have the chance to attend the 31st session of the Human Rights Council (in March), and will gain professional human rights research and communications experience in an exciting international environment.

UNIVERSAL RIGHTS GROUP

The URG is a Geneva-based think tank dedicated to analysing and strengthening global human rights policy. It is the only such institution in Geneva and the only think tank in the world focused exclusively on human rights. The goal of the organisation is to support and strengthen international human rights policy making and implementation by providing timely and policy-relevant research, analysis and recommendations and a platform for dialogue for all stakeholders.

The URG’s work is currently organised around four broad Programmes, which are:

• In Focus: Domestic implementation of universal norms
• Contemporary and emerging human rights issues;
• International human rights institutions, mechanisms and processes
• Beyond the Council – human rights protection outside the main Geneva based human rights mechanisms. To find out more about the organisation and its work, please visit www.universal.rights.org.

THE INTERNSHIP

The successful candidate will work closely with URG researchers on a number of projects, getting involved with all aspects of the research projects – from proposal writing and preliminary interviews to desk-based research and analysis to event and publication planning. The intern will also be expected to help the small team with some administrative duties, events and communications (mail-outs, website, social media etc). The intern will have the chance to attend and monitor the 31st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (March 2016), attending and reporting on key Council meetings and side-events and drafting reports on key topics. He/she will represent the URG at these events, and will also help in the organisation and preparation of our own side-events.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

As a member of a small team, you should be self-motivated and proactive, and ready to pitch in with all areas of the organisations work – from event organisation to research and analysis. Given the importance of accuracy, strong attention to detail and research skills are also essential.

Essential:

• Master’s degree in international relations, international law, human rights or a related field (completed or in progress);
• Awareness of the United Nations system (particularly the Human Rights Council);
• Qualitative and/or qualitative political research and analysis skills; • Familiarity with Word, Excel and internet-based research;
• Fluency in English. Desirable:
• Language skills (French would be an asset);
• Experience with social media/website management.

To apply for this position, please send a CV and cover letter to hilary@universal-rights.org by 20th December 2015. In your cover letter, please confirm the period you are available. The internship is unpaid, but we can help by providing a lunch and travel allowance.