CIVICUS is offering a Human Rights Intern opportunity for 2027 in Geneva. This internship focuses on international human rights advocacy and support for UN engagement.
Application Deadline:
- 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM SAST (Interviews scheduled for December 2026; commencement expected in mid-January or 1 February 2027).
Tell Me About The Program:
The CIVICUS Human Rights Internship is a paid, 6-month remote opportunity within the CIVICUS Geneva Office cluster. Working under the direct supervision of the UN Advisor and the UN Advocacy and Network Officer, the intern assists in implementing CIVICUS’s advocacy priorities within UN human rights mechanisms (such as the UN Human Rights Council). Key responsibilities include drafting written statements, supporting human rights defenders during advocacy missions, event coordination, human rights research, and communications rollout.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- International Relations, Law, Political Science, Human Rights, and Social Sciences.
Type:
Paid Remote Internship / Full-Time 6-Month Contract
Who can Apply:
- Educational Background: Must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university.
- Work Experience: Must possess at least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment.
- Skills & Knowledge: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, strong IT skills (MS Office), and a solid understanding of global politics, international policy-making, and civil society landscapes.
- Desirable Attributes: Proficiency in French or Spanish is an asset. Candidates based in Europe with a willingness to travel to Geneva 1–2 times during the internship (e.g., March 2027 and June 2027) are preferred.
How Applicants Are Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on academic qualifications, relevant policy/advocacy experience, quality of the one-page motivation cover note, and alignment with CIVICUS’s global advocacy mission. (Note: Applications containing AI-generated materials will be automatically disqualified).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to qualified international candidates; preference for candidates based in Europe for occasional Geneva travel).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Remote (Reporting to the Geneva Office Cluster).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective single internship position.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Stipend: USD $1,200 per month.
- Professional Experience: Direct exposure to UN Human Rights Council proceedings, global advocacy strategy, and international civil society networks.
- Mentorship: Hands-on supervision from senior UN advisors and advocacy officers.
How Long Will it Last:
6 Months (Full-time contract starting mid-January or 1 February 2027).
Required Application Documents:
- Full CV/Resume: Detailing educational/professional qualifications, employment history, responsibilities, and key achievements.
- Cover Note: Maximum one page outlining your motivation for applying.
- Critical Application Rule: Applicants must fill out the online form manually without using browser autofill to avoid errors, and must not use AI tools to write their CV or cover note.
How to Apply:
- Prepare your original CV and 1-page cover note manually.
- Navigate to the official CIVICUS BambooHR Career Portal.
- Manually complete the online application fields (do not use autofill) and upload your application documents before 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM SAST.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
