About the Organization
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) East Africa Regional Office (ESARO) serves as a cornerstone for the protection and promotion of universal human rights within the region. As part of the United Nations Secretariat, OHCHR is mandated to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization, by all people, of all rights established in the Charter of the United Nations and in international human rights laws and treaties. The organization works tirelessly to empower individuals to claim their rights and assists governments and regional bodies in fulfilling their legal obligations.
Operating from Addis Ababa, the Regional Office plays a strategic role in engaging with the African Union and other regional economic communities. The mission of OHCHR ESARO is to lead the human rights movement by providing technical expertise, monitoring developments, and fostering a culture of accountability. By joining this office, you are entering a high-impact environment where international advocacy meets ground-level implementation, ensuring that the dignity of every individual is recognized and protected.
The OHCHR environment is defined by its commitment to the core UN values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Staff and interns alike work in a multicultural setting that values collaborative problem-solving and ethical conduct. The organization acts as a critical voice for the marginalized, focusing on economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the specific protection of women, youth, and vulnerable groups across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Professional growth at OHCHR is characterized by immersion in the UN human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. Interns are treated as vital members of the team, gaining first-hand experience in diplomatic reporting, stakeholder engagement, and regional policy integration. This provides a unique platform for aspiring human rights professionals to understand the intricacies of international law and regional governance from within the world’s premier human rights body.
In alignment with UN principles, OHCHR ESARO is a champion of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our strength lies in our varied backgrounds and perspectives. We explicitly encourage women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive workspace where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the global human rights mandate.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Human Rights Internship is a strategic entry point for those looking to shape the future of human rights governance in Africa. Interns provide essential support to the Deputy Regional Representative and Workstream Leads, contributing to the analytical and operational capacity of the office. By monitoring and analyzing human rights trends, interns help the UN identify emerging issues and formulate timely responses to regional developments.
This role has a direct “day-in-the-life” impact on the office’s ability to communicate with the world. Interns are responsible for drafting daily news updates and internal reports that keep senior leadership informed. Furthermore, by assisting in the organization of workshops and seminars, interns help facilitate the dialogue between the UN, civil society, and government stakeholders that is necessary for long-term legislative and social reform.
The internship offers a profound career development opportunity, allowing participants to master the art of human rights reporting and stakeholder coordination. You will learn how to integrate human rights perspectives into national development plans, a skill that is increasingly vital in the fields of international development and public administration. This experience serves as a prestigious foundation for any future career in law, diplomacy, or social justice.
Strategically, the work performed by interns supports the UN’s broader goal of empowering people to realize their rights. By assisting stakeholders in engaging with UN mechanisms, you are helping to bridge the gap between international standards and local realities. Every note taken in a conference and every research piece drafted contributes to the larger mosaic of the UN’s efforts to ensure that “all human rights for all people” becomes a lived reality.
Beyond technical tasks, the internship fosters a deep understanding of the ethical standards required in high-level human rights work. You will be challenged to analyze complex situations with objectivity and empathy, preparing you for the rigorous demands of a career dedicated to the public good. The impact of your six-month tenure will resonate through the support provided to those on the front lines of human rights defense.
Job Positions and Requirements
Human Rights Intern
Educational Qualification: Enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, or currently enrolled in a Master’s/PhD program, or have graduated within the last year. Preferred fields include Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Public Administration, or Political Science.
Work Experience: No prior working experience is required. Training and educational coursework should be relevant to the UN’s mission.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Please note: UN Internships are non-remunerated/unpaid)
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
The internship is a full-time contract for an expected duration of six months, running from May 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. This is a fixed-term learning opportunity designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in the United Nations system. While the role offers significant professional prestige and networking opportunities, it is important to note the specific financial structure of the program.
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs related to travel, insurance, visas, accommodation, and general living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution. However, the experience gained serves as a significant investment in one’s professional future, providing a competitive edge in the global job market. IOM and OHCHR both emphasize that the intrinsic value of the mentorship and the impact of the work are the primary “compensation” for this specific category of service.
How to Apply
To apply for this vacancy, candidates must submit their application through the UN Secretariat’s official recruitment portal (Inspira). We strictly state that scanned certificates, diplomas, or other physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Applicants should focus on completing their Personal History Profile (PHP) accurately within the system.
Original academic documents and proof of enrollment will only be required for physical verification if a candidate is selected and receives a formal acceptance letter. This digital-first approach ensures that the selection process is based on the merit of the applicant’s profile and skills rather than administrative paperwork.
Please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. If you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe following the deadline, you should assume your application was not successful for this specific cycle.
The timeline following the deadline involves a rigorous review of all applications to ensure candidates meet the educational and language requirements. Shortlisted individuals may be required to undergo a written test or a competency-based interview to further evaluate their fit for the Regional Office’s current workstreams.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official UN Careers portal as the primary channel. Ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline to be considered.
Application Deadline
April 23, 2026