About this role

Job Title: Human Rights Intern

Cluster: Geneva Office

Salary: USD 1200 per month (stipend)

Contract Type: Full-Time, 6 Month Internship Contract

Location: Remote

Reports to: Cluster Lead Geneva

Contract Type: Intern

Direct Reports: None

Role Overview:

The role holder is responsible, under the supervision of the UN Advisor and the UN Advocacy and Network Officer, for assisting in the implementation of CIVICUS advocacy priorities in the context of CIVICUS’s work with UN human rights mechanisms. The role will also contribute to network engagement and member support activities, event coordination and logistics, and research related to human rights.

Areas of Responsibilities & Key Activities

UN Advocacy and member support

Assist CIVICUS’ engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies.
Support the development of written materials, statements and speaking points.
Support CIVICUS’ members and partners and human rights defenders during their advocacy missions, including providing logistical arrangements.

Event Coordination and Communication

Support in the organization of events as appropriate including logistical arrangements.
Assist the communications team in rolling out timely and effective communication materials.

Research

Assist with background research related to human rights and civil society participation at the UN, including drafting of briefs and summaries.

Administration

Support administrative activities related to office and file management.

Other

The role holder will from time to time be required to carry out any other duties related to the scope of work.

Person Specification

Education, Language & Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university.
At least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment.
Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Excellent IT skills, including experience with MS Office.
Good understanding of international relations and policy making.
Good understanding of the civil society landscape and global politics.
Ability to work in a team and network at with a broad range of external stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds.
Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience
Other languages beneficial, Spanish or French an asset
Based in Europe and willingness to travel to Geneva 1-2 times during the internship if required (March 2027 and June 2027

The closing date for applications is 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST. The successful candidate will be expected to commence employment in mid-January or on 1 February 2027. Interviews will be conducted in December 2026.

Application instructions:
Applicants are advised not to use autofill when completing the application form for this job. To avoid errors, please fill out the form manually without using autofill.
AI-generated CVs/resumes and cover letters are not permitted. All application materials must be written by the applicant and accurately reflect the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Applications that contain AI-generated materials will not be considered.
Your application should comprise of:
A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the positions, responsibilities held, and relevant achievements
A cover note of not more than one page outlining your motivation for applying for the role.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the

next steps

. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.

CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.