CIVICUS Human Rights Intern

Application Deadline: 15 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. SAST
Expected Start Date: Mid-January or 1 February 2027
Interview Period: December 2026
Location: Remote

Duration: 6 months Contract.

Salary: USD 1200 per month Stipend

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS is a global alliance of more than 15,000 members across over 185 countries, working to defend people power and strengthen civil society. The organisation monitors violations of civic freedoms, holds perpetrators accountable, and supports people’s ability to organise.

CIVICUS places particular emphasis on amplifying excluded voices, especially those from the Global South, while promoting a more accountable, effective, and innovative civil society.

About the Internship

CIVICUS is seeking a Human Rights Intern to support the implementation of its advocacy priorities at the United Nations in Geneva.

Working under the supervision of the UN Advisor and UN Advocacy and Network Officer, the intern will contribute to CIVICUS’s engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. The role combines advocacy support, research, member engagement, event coordination, communications, and administrative assistance.

Key Responsibilities

UN Advocacy and Member Support

• Assist CIVICUS’s engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies.

• Support the preparation of advocacy plans, statements, and speaking points.

• Help CIVICUS members, partners, and human rights defenders during advocacy missions, including coordinating logistical arrangements.

Event Coordination and Communications

• Support the organisation of events and related logistics.

• Assist the communications team in preparing and sharing timely, effective communication materials.

Research

• Conduct research on human rights and civic space issues.

• Help prepare research briefs, summaries, and other relevant materials.

Administration

• Support office administration and file management.

• Carry out other duties related to the scope of the internship as required.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in international relations, law, politics, or a relevant social science from a reputable university.

• At least six months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment.

• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

• Strong IT skills, including experience with Microsoft Office.

• A good understanding of international relations, policymaking, civil society, and global politics.

• The ability to work collaboratively and engage with stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Desirable Qualifications

• Additional language skills.

• French or Spanish is considered an asset.

• Applicants should be based in Europe and willing to travel to Geneva once or twice during the internship, if required. Possible travel periods are March and June 2027.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the CIVICUS careers portal by 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST.

The application must include:

1. A full CV outlining educational and professional qualifications, employment history, responsibilities, and relevant achievements.

2. A cover note of no more than one page explaining the applicant’s motivation for applying.

Important Application Instructions

• Complete the application form manually; applicants are advised not to use autofill.

• AI-generated CVs and cover letters are not permitted. All application materials must be written by the applicant and accurately represent their qualifications and experience. Applications containing AI-generated materials will not be considered.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three weeks of applying. CIVICUS will update applicants once the position has been filled.

• CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw the vacancy at any time.

Apply here: CIVICUS Careers Portal