Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (MoFA) in Mauritius plays a central role in shaping the country’s international relations and advancing its foreign policy, including the promotion and protection of human rights. Within the Ministry, the Human Rights Division (HRD) is tasked with coordinating Mauritius’ engagement with international human rights frameworks and ensuring the alignment of national policies with global human rights standards. The HRD is responsible for promoting and safeguarding human rights, representing the government of Mauritius at international human rights forums, advising the government on international treaties, conventions, and protocols related to human rights and coordinating Mauritius’ reporting obligations to international human rights bodies. This internship provides an opportunity for an individual passionate about human rights to contribute to the Ministry’s work and gain valuable experience in an international setting. Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Senior Officer of the Human Rights Division and the UNRCO, the intern will undertake the following duties and responsibilities: Research and Policy Analysis: • Conduct in-depth research on human rights topics, focusing on areas such as the implementation of international treaties and conventions in Mauritius, as well as emerging human rights challenges at the global level. • Assist in analyzing reports from international human rights bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and provide summaries of key recommendations. Documentation and Reporting: • Assist in the preparation and drafting of reports for submission to international human rights committees, including periodic reports under the UN human rights treaties. • Support the preparation of presentations for officials representing the Ministry at international forums. Monitoring and Advocacy: • Monitor the developments of global human rights issues, focusing on countries within the African region, and analyze how these developments impact Mauritius. • Support advocacy efforts by preparing materials to highlight human rights achievements or concerns, including fact sheets, newsletters, and social media content. Coordination and Communication: • Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and international consultations on human rights topics. • Support the Human Rights Division in communications with international partners, NGOs, and other government agencies on human rights matters. • Provide administrative assistance, including the coordination of correspondence and logistical support for human rights-related events. Capacity Building: • Assist HRD in organizing capacity-building activities and training sessions for government officials on human rights topics.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Preferred studies: Enrolled in a bachelor’s (final year) or master’s degree in International Human Rights, Public International Law, Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, international development studies, international relations, social sciences, political science, or other relevant fields.s. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in English language is required for this internship. Knowledge of French would be desirable.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.