Internship in the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section at the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), Geneva and/or Remote (Unpaid; 3 to 6 Months, Start in 2027)

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the UN Secretariat department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms, enhancing equality and countering discrimination, combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law, among other mandates.

Under this opening (Job Opening 286048 on the UN Careers portal), the intern will be assigned to the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS) in the Equality and Non-discrimination Branch, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and will work under the general guidance of a primary supervisor.

The Section supports States, national human rights institutions, civil society and the UN system in implementing UN human rights standards and core work to eliminate racial discrimination, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its work includes:

• capacity-building and the promotion, protection, prevention and monitoring of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
• thematic advice and research on incitement to hatred and hate speech, religious intolerance, multiple discrimination and systemic racism;
• secretariat support to the mandates of six mechanisms focused on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

To qualify for the UN Secretariat internship programme, applicants must, at the time of submission:

• be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (Master's degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first-level university degree programme (Bachelor's degree or equivalent),

preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field. Professional work experience is not required.

Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

The advertisement sets no nationality restriction and notes that interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken may need a visa and work authorisation, so Indian students and graduates who meet the academic criteria may apply.

Work location: Geneva and/or remote. Expected duration: three to six months, preferably starting between the first and second quarter of 2027. The internship is an unpaid, full-time engagement.

The advertisement states that interns 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. Successful candidates should discuss their visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Apply online through the UN Careers portal using the Job Opening 286048 page linked on this post. The opening closes on 22 October 2026 at 11:59 pm New York time (9:29 am IST on 23 October 2026); the deadline on this post is set to 22 October 2026 IST to keep you on the safe side.