The Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) is looking for a resourceful and qualified candidate to support its Geneva Office in its advocacy work at the Human Rights Council and United Nations treaty bodies. In this role you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, attending UN meetings and work closely with HRHF’s advocacy team and other NGOs. You will work in close cooperation with HRHF’s International Advocacy Officer and under the supervision of HRHF’s Head of Advocacy and Geneva Office. Internship title: International advocacy assistant Duration: 6 months ideally Internship occupation: 60% at least Start: January 2014 Location: Geneva (Switzerland) Internships are not paid. Living accommodations are the responsibility of the intern.
Core duties The intern will be required to perform a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: • Conduct background research and assist with the collection of relevant information; • Assist in editing, translating and drafting of country reports; • Provide logistical support in the organization of workshops and meetings; • Assist to UN events and conferences, and report on those events including by writing articles; • Specifically, to prepare the March 2014 session of the Human Rights Council, participate in drafting a report on the situation of human rights defenders in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Western Balkans; • Provide technical support to HRHF staff.
Skills and competences Besides knowledge and a strong interest in human rights, the person should have: • Professionalism, persistence and willingness to contribute to HRHF’s mission; • Excellent research, organizational and multitasking skills; • Ability to respond quickly to the needs and demands of other colleagues; • Ability to take personal initiative and work independently; • Aptitude to keep up to date on the human rights situation within relevant countries; • Excellent command of English; knowledge in Russian is an important asset; • Facility to work in a team and to communicate with colleagues, and strong interpersonal skills; • Great attention to details.
Expected outcome: • To become knowledgeable in various human rights topics and to familiarize with the UN human rights system and the work of the Human Rights House Network, as well as other colleagues; • To acquire a hands-on experience and to develop a diplomatic flair by attending UN meetings and working closely with HRHF advocacy team; • To strengthen and familiarize with the drafting of written documents, included website articles.
About the Human Rights House Network (www.humanrightshouse.org) The Human Rights House Network (HRHN) unites 87 human rights NGOs joining forces in 18 independent Human Rights Houses in 15 countries in Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and South Caucasus, East and Horn of Africa, and Western Europe. HRHN’s aim is to protect, empower and support human rights organisations locally and unite them in an international network of Human Rights Houses. The Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF), based in Oslo (Norway) with an office in Geneva (Switzerland), is HRHN’s secretariat. HRHF is international partner of the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders and the emerging Balkan Network of Human Rights Defenders. HRHF has consultative status with the United Nations and HRHN has participatory status with the Council of Europe.
How to apply:
All applicants are requested to e-mail a motivation letter and curriculum vitae to: Anna Innocenti, International Advocacy Officer at the Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF), at anna.innocenti@humanrightshouse.org.
