Internship at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, Arusha (Onsite, Remote or Hybrid Placement)

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights is a continental court of the African Union, seated in Arusha, Tanzania, established under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Court first adopted its Placement Policy at its 33rd Ordinary Session in 2014 and revised it in 2020 and 2024; the current (3rd) edition was adopted at its 72nd Ordinary Session (12 February to 8 March 2024).

Under the Policy the Court offers internships to students and graduates in different fields of its work, alongside other placement types (AU Youth Volunteers, fellowships, student attachments, researchers and secondments).

Candidates can be placed in the Office of the President, the Office of the Registrar and the units of the Registry, including the Judicial Affairs Unit, Legal Aid Unit, Research and Capacity Building Unit, Compliance and Monitoring of the Decisions of the Court Unit, Library and Archives, Language Unit, Court Clerks and Communication Unit. Interns work under the supervision of a qualified staff member, who develops a work plan with them, and may attend staff meetings and Court sessions on authorisation of the supervisor.

• Field work / onsite: the intern reports to the Court premises in Arusha and is given a workstation.
• Virtual / remote: the intern works from outside the Court, without travel or accommodation costs, with weekly (or supervisor-set) remote debriefings against an individual work plan.
• Mixed / hybrid: a combination of remote and onsite work.

Candidates work 40 hours a week with a one-hour break from 13:00 to 14:00 (remote interns observe the break in their own time zone).

The internship page states that placements are open to both citizens and non-citizens of African Union (AU) Member States, so applicants from India may apply. The Policy adds that placement is guided as far as possible by equitable national, geographical and gender representation.

• For placement in the Legal Division: a completed first degree in law from a recognised university or institute of higher education; a Master's or PhD in law is an added advantage.
• Other applicants: at least in the final stage of studies at a recognised university, or graduated, with knowledge of the field in which they wish to intern.
• A very good record of academic performance.
• Applicants still in university must provide a letter from their university or institute, including a brief description of their career interest.
• Computer literacy and the ability to work in a diverse multilingual and multicultural environment.

The Placement Policy limits placements to between one (1) and three (3) months, extendable once on request and supervisor approval for a further period not exceeding three (3) months. The Court's internship page describes placements as ranging from two (2) weeks to six (6) months.

The internship is unpaid. The Policy states that the Court is currently not able to provide candidates with a stipend, nor to reimburse expenses incurred before or during the placement. Onsite interns must show proof of funds or a letter of self or organisational sponsorship for the period of stay, and proof of health insurance; the Court advises all candidates to secure travel medical, life and other insurance.

A certificate is awarded on successful completion of the placement.

Apply through the Court's online Internship Application Portal (create an applicant account, then complete the placement form). The application should include:

• A motivation letter or statement of interest stating the purpose of the application and the field(s) of interest.
• A CV with copies of relevant university degree(s), diplomas, certificates, recommendation letters, any other relevant documents and a recent photograph.
• The completed online placement form.

Deadline: applications are received throughout the year (rolling). The Court encourages applicants to apply at least six months before the intended start date of the placement.

Applicants receive an automated acknowledgment, and are notified of the status of their application within 30 days of the Registry's acknowledgment. Qualified applicants who are not immediately accepted for a particular period are placed on a roster in the Court's database and may be offered a placement later. Selected candidates receive a letter of acceptance and a commitment form from the Office of the Registrar, to be signed and returned within thirty days before the expected start date.