CIVICUS Human Rights Internship 2027: Apply for an International Advocacy Opportunity in Geneva, Switzerland

Overview

The CIVICUS Human Rights Internship 2027 offers an international advocacy placement for emerging human rights professionals, international relations graduates, and civil society advocates. Based in Europe, the selected intern will support global human rights advocacy at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, working under the supervision of the UN Advisor and UN Advocacy and Network Officer.

The role combines human rights research, international advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications, and administrative tasks. Key responsibilities include supporting engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, preparing advocacy documents and statements, helping facilitate partner participation in advocacy missions, organizing events, assisting with communications materials, conducting research on civic space, and providing office support.

Who can apply

This opportunity is intended for candidates with an academic background and demonstrated interest in international human rights, international relations, law, politics, or related social sciences. Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor degree in these fields, though a Master degree is preferable. Candidates are required to have a minimum of six months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment.

Applicants must also be based in Europe, possess excellent written and verbal English communication skills, demonstrate computer literacy with Microsoft Office, and understand international relations, policymaking, civil society structures, global politics, and human rights issues. Additional language skills, particularly French and Spanish, are considered assets. Candidates must also be willing to travel to Geneva once or twice during the internship if required, specifically during potential travel periods in March 2027 and June 2027.

How to apply

Applicants must submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae detailing their education, professional experience, employment history, responsibilities, and achievements, alongside a cover note of no maximum one page explaining their motivation. Applicants are advised against using autofill when completing application forms, and the use of artificial intelligence to generate curricula vitae, résumés, or cover letters is strictly prohibited. All application materials must be independently written by the applicant.

Key dates

Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. South African Standard Time. Interviews are scheduled for December 2026, with the successful candidate expected to start in mid-January 2027 or on 1 February 2027.