Human rights internship at the UN

Promote and protect human rights at the UN Human Rights Committee (UN OHCHR) in Switzerland on a 2-6 month internship.

What will you do?

As an intern with the OHCHR you will be involved in:

researching human rights issues

drafting analytical papers and reports

providing administrative support in meetings

field operations and supporting other OHCHR activities.

Are you eligible to apply?

To apply, you must be:

enrolled in a postgraduate (or equivalent level) study programme during the entire internship

able to obtain the necessary visa and travel to the UN in Switzerland.

able to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses

able, on being selected, to provide proof of valid medical insurance for your stay in Switzerland, and provide a medical certificate stating that you are in good health as well as proving your enrolment in post-graduate (or equivalent) studies.

able to communicate fluently in English and/or French.

How can you apply?

Submit an internship application form along with the necessary additional documentation. You can find more details about the application process and what's required on the OHCHR website.

Deadlines!

The OHCHR has 2 intern selection campaigns each year:

applications for the May/June selection must be in by 30 April

applications for the November/December selection must be in by 31 October

Applications may be accepted outside of the usual selection campaign.

Internships are a minimum of 2 months and may be renewed up to 6 months maximum.

Equitas International Human Rights Training Program In Canada

Deadline: 21 November, 2012
Open to : representatives of non-governmental organizations, national and regional human rights institutions and government bodies
Venue : June 9 – June 28, 2013, Montreal, Canada

Equitas is organizing the 34th annual International Human Rights Training (IHRTP) from June 9 to June 28, 2013 in Montreal, Canada. With support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Equitas has funding to award a limited number of bursaries to selected International Candidates.
The Program  provides an opportunity for human rights workers and educators to deepen their understanding of human rights and of the essential role of human rights education in effecting social change.  Participants from about 50 countries are equipped with innovative tools that enable them to enhance their action to defend and promote human rights and democratic values in their home contexts.
The 2013 edition will have a particular focus on the rights of children, youth and women. The exploration of human rights principles and instruments, ongoing critical reflection and inquiry, as well as extensive sharing of experiences allows participants to strengthen their capacity to engage in effective human rights education, and advance equality and human dignity thus leading to social change.
By the end of the IHRTP, participants should be able to:

1. Use a framework based on internationally accepted human rights standards and principles to analyze the issues and situations encountered in the work of their organizations
2. Identify ways in which human rights education can increase the effectiveness of their human rights work
3. Integrate a participatory approach into their human rights and human rights education work
4. Indicate appropriate ways for putting their learning from the IHRTP into practice in the work of their organizations
5. Explore networking opportunities essential for furthering the cause of human rights
6. Determine strategies for promoting gender equality in their human rights education work
7. Employ a basic evaluation process for assessing the results of their human rights education work

Eligibility

The IHRTP is primarily designed for representatives of non-governmental human rights organizations (NGOs), national human rights institutions and government departments who have undertaken some human rights education training activities. In a limited numberof cases, consideration will also be given to Candidates affiliated with other types of organizations involved in human rights education.
Organizations which nominate Candidates must:

• have a demonstrated commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights
• have an established record for effective action
• be involved in human rights education activities such as training sessions, workshops, public awareness campaigns, advocacy, monitoring
• be committed to providing opportunities for their Candidate to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the Program within the organization

Candidates from qualifying organizations must:

• be active employees / volunteers with their organization for at least two years be in a position to influence the human rights
• education work of their organization have knowledge of human rights principles and  major international instruments
• be committed to transferring knowledge and skills gained during the Program to colleagues and to others with whom they work
• be sensitive to the issues which arise when working in multicultural groups, and respectful of  diversity

Costs

The IHRTP participation fee is 5,540$ CAD.
Funding opportunity
Through the support of the Canadian International Development Agency, Equitas has funding to award a limited number of bursaries to selected International Candidates. A bursary includes full tuition fees (including room and board) for the 3-week training program as well as travel expenses. Once eligibility has been determined, the Selection Committee will award the bursaries to the International Candidates who best meet the requirements. Due to the limited number of bursaries available, there is no guarantee that the selected International Candidates will receive funding.

Application

The completed applications must be returned to Equitas by:

1. November 21, 2012 for the International Candidates;
2. March 28, 2013 for Canadians residents and citizens.

The application must include:

• The completed Application Form (Part A completed by the Director of the Candidate’s organization; Part B completed by the Candidate)
•  The Memorandum of Agreement duly signed by the Candidate and the director of the Candidate’s organization
•  Two supporting letters from national and/or international human rights organizations (other than the Candidate’s) familiar with the Candidate’s work and/or the work of his or her organization
•  A brochure (and/or mission statement) describing the Candidate’s organization

For further information about the Program visit this link
Official Website

Internship for Human Rights Lawyers, London

Deadline: 15 October 2012
Open to:  Lawyers with experience working on human rights in Europe
Remuneration:  £1,300

Established in 1982, INTERIGHTS works to promote respect for human rights through the use of law. Thematically, INTERIGHTS’ priorities are equality, security and the rule of law (including counter-terrorism), and economic and social rights. INTERIGHTS currently focuses its activities in Africa, the Commonwealth, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Objectives

The precise nature of internship activities will depend on organisational and programme priorities at the time of the placement; however, it is likely that the main areas in which experience will be offered will include:

• Legal research on international and comparative human rights law and practice to support the preparation of legal submissions in cases to be lodged with or pending before the European Court of Human Rights, as well as other legal work depending on INTERIGHTS’ needs at the time
• Preparation of materials for INTERIGHTS’ training workshops
• Assistance on INTERIGHTS’ publications
• Where possible, attendance at meetings with human rights practitioners, lectures, or visits to other international/national human rights organisations based in London

Eligibility

This internship is only open to a practising human rights lawyer. Non-lawyers or lawyers without experience in human rights law should not apply.
Essential criteria

• Degree in law
• Good experience of working as a human rights lawyer/legal advisor,
  whether affiliated with an NGO or independently, within Central and
  Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union
• Knowledge of Russian or another language of a country from the
  Central and Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union
• Demonstrable experience of working with the European Convention
  on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court of
  Human Rights
• Familiarity with regional and international human rights instruments
  and mechanisms
• Demonstrable strong research, analytical and writing skills
• Good spoken and written English
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships and
  work as part of a team
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office
• Flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high workload and
  multiple tasks with tight deadlines
• Sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural environment and
  commitment to equal opportunities
• Commitment to the values and mission of INTERIGHTS

Desirable criteria

• Familiarity with issues relating to disability and/or LGBT human
  rights, or to equality and non-discrimination more broadly.
• Human rights litigation experience either before domestic courts, or
  before the European Court of Human Rights
• Knowledge of civil society and the legal culture in Central and Eastern
  Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Remuneration

INTERIGHTS will arrange and pay for travel.  The intern will receive a monthly grant of £1,300. Accommodation is not provided but INTERIGHTS can advise on finding a suitable place to stay. The six-month internship will begin on 2 January 2013 and will be based in London.

Application process

To apply please send a covering letter, a curriculum vitae indicating two referees, a recent writing sample of no more than two thousand words and a completed equality and diversity monitoring form. Short-listed applicants may be interviewed by telephone. Due to the high number of applications for our internships we are unable to contact applicants that have not been short listed.
Applications should be sent to Chloë Marong by email to jobs@interights.org. Please enter the title of the internship you are applying for in the subject heading of your email. The closing date for applications is 15 October 2012. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 29 October 2012.
The official website.

JOB: Growth Research & Development Officer, Amnesty International, London, United Kingdom

£34,884
Central London 

Amnesty International (AI) defends people’s most basic rights and fights to make the world a fairer place. And now, as our organisation sets out ambitious plans to make a bigger impact, we have an opportunity and a challenge to find effective ways to increase our presence and influence in countries where AI does not have a national entity. Your work to support the efforts of regional colleagues with research and development capacity will inform, guide and shape that growth. You will be instrumental in ensuring AI is able to increase the movement in innovative new ways with stronger routes to impact.

 

About the role

In this new global role, you will be working to support regionally based colleagues to support the growth of AI in countries where there is no entity by:

·         Researching and analyzing global growth trends of AI and civil society actors

·         Carrying out scoping exercises to inform the development of presence where there is a need to increase AI’s movement for increased impact.

·         Support the development, implementation and monitoring of criteria, standards and key performance and impact indicators for new forms of Amnesty International entity.

·         Carrying out the monitoring and evaluation of existing initiatives and gather learning, draft recommendations and share learning with regionally based colleagues. You will create a network of AI’s regional colleagues focused on growth of new presence to become a community of practice.

·         Supporting AI in its partnerships development and quality assurance.

 

About you

You will have a research and development background with strong participatory research skills. This would suite someone who has experience in developing new programmes of work based on empirical evidence. Having previously worked in the civil society and/or NGO field, you will have a good understanding of active participation, partnership best practice and growth and mobilization in relation to human rights change. You will have excellent analytical skills and communication skills, including at a distance. Strategic thinking and the ability to network and build relationships are essential. You will also be prepared to travel and undertake local research.

 

About us

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. Already our network of over three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

 

For more information and to apply, please visit www.amnesty.org/jobs and search for requisition ID 796BR.

Closing date: 9th September 2012

Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship

Deadline: 15 October 2012
Fellowship: Each fellow receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship period. Fellowship payments are calculated to cover cost of a short-term, furnished rental aprtment, plus “cost of living” for food, local transportation, and other necessities. Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, including Internet access and a NED email account, plus a limited budget for long-distance phone calls and professional travel within the United States.

Description

Named in honor of NED’s principal founders, former president Ronald Reagan and the late congressman Dante Fascell (D-Fl.), the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is a federally funded, international exchange program that offers practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world the opportunity to spend five months in residence at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in Washington, D.C., in order to undertake independent research on democracy in a particular country or region. Located within NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, the program provides a rich intellectual setting for educational exchange and professional development.
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program offers five-month fellowships to practitioners to focus on strategies and best practices for developing democracy in their country of interest; and to scholars to conduct original research for publication. Projects may address the economic, political, social, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development and include a range of methodologies and approaches. While the two tracks share many common elements, they have different eligibility requirements and distinct goals, activities, and products associated with them.
The Practitioner Track
The Reagan-Fascell program was established with the primary purpose of supporting democracy activists, human rights advocates, journalists, and others who work on the frontlines of building democracy in emerging and aspiring democracies. The program provides practitioners with a needed break from their daily routine so that they may reflect on their work, exchange ideas and experiences with counterparts in the United States, and reevaluate techniques for building democracy in their country of origin.
Practitioner fellowships are typically five months in duration and culminate in a report, short article, op-ed, handbook, or another product, as well as a formal presentation of the fellow’s analysis and ideas.

• Eligibility

Applicants interested in the practitioner track are expected to have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest. There are no specific degree requirements for the practitioner track. A Ph.D., for instance, is not required of practitioner applicants. While there are also no age limits, applicants on the practitioner track are typically mid-career professionals with several years of professional experience in the field of democracy and human rights. Examples of eligible candidates for the practitioner track include human rights advocates, lawyers, journalists, labor leaders, political party activists, diplomats, professional staff of civic or humanitarian organizations, and other civil society professionals from developing and aspiring democracies.
The Scholarly Track
In recognition of the importance of intellectual contributions to the theory and practice of democracy, the Reagan-Fascell program offers a scholarly track for scholars, professors, and established writers. Applicants for this track may be scholars from emerging and aspiring democracies or accomplished scholars from the United States and other established democracies.
Fellowships on the scholarly track are typically five months in duration. Scholars make at least one public presentation of their work and complete a substantial piece of writing (typically an article or book) for publication.

• Eligibility

Applicants interested in the scholarly track are expected to possess a doctorate (a Ph.D., or academic equivalent) at the time of application, to have a proven record of publications in their field, and to have developed a detailed research outline for their fellowship project. Examples of eligible candidates for the scholarly track include college and university professors, researchers, journalists, and other writers from developing and aspiring democracies. Distinguished scholars from the United States or other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Occasionally, a professional who is planning to write a book or other scholarly publication may qualify to apply on the scholarly track.

Eligibility requirements for all apllicants

• Citizens of any country may apply.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Topics focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development
• Availability for a full-time, residential fellowship at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Fall 2012 (October 1, 2012–February 28, 2013) and/or Spring 2013 (March–July 2013)

English Language Requirement:
A working knowledge of English is a prerequisite for participation in the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program. All application materials must be submitted in English. While fellows’ primary product may be in their native language, they should have a solid command of written and spoken English for general communication purposes.
Individuals Ineligible to Apply:

• Students seeking scholarships, or other types of financial aid, to defray the cost of their education
• Ph.D. candidates & postdoctoral scholars seeking funding to pursue doctoral/postdoctoral research
• Professionals seeking financial assistance to pay for trainings, attend conferences, or pursue internships
• Individuals without proficiency in the English language
• Applicants whose projects fail to draw a connection to democracy and human rights
• Candidates unavailable for a fellowship in Fall 2012 (October 1, 2012–February 28, 2013) or Spring 2013 (March–July 2013)

Application

The application season for fellowships in 2013–2014 will begin on July 15, 2012 and end on October 15, 2012. Applicants are asked to visit the Online Application System during that time in order to submit their fellowship application. First-time users of the online system will be asked to register in order to set up a profile for themselves. Once registration is complete, candidates will receive an email containing their login information to access the online system and begin their application. There are five steps to the online application process. The Online Application System will allow you to begin working on an application, save your progress, and return at a later time to complete the remaining application components. You are advised to save your work at all times. Additionally, please note that while applicants may complete Step 1 (Applicant Information) at any time, they will not be able to proceed to Step 2 until the application season opens on July 15, 2012.
The Official Website