Environment & Climate Change Unit Internship

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking a motivated intern to support its Environment and Climate Change Unit in Geneva. This six‑month, on‑site internship offers exposure to the intersection of human rights and environmental policy within the United Nations system.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on substantive topics related to environment, climate change, and human rights.
• Assist in drafting reports, publications, newsletters, and briefing documents.
• Support the organization of events addressing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
• Follow and contribute to OHCHR participation in meetings, webinars, COPs, and Human Rights Council sessions.
• Monitor scientific evidence and developments on environmental crises and their human‑rights impacts.
• Coordinate information sharing with OHCHR colleagues and external partners.
• Help prepare activities mandated by the Human Rights Council.
• Contribute to strengthening OHCHR work on the right to a healthy environment at regional and country levels.

Required profile

• Enrolled in or completed a graduate programme in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Development or a related field, OR in the final year of a bachelor’s programme in the same areas.
• No professional work experience required.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hands‑on experience at a leading UN human‑rights entity.
• Opportunity to work with senior human‑rights officers and experts.
• Exposure to high‑level international negotiations and policy processes.