Apply: UN Human Rights Office Paid Fellowship Programme in Switzerland)

The United Nations Human Rights Office manages two Humanitarian Funds: the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Each Fund is mandated to channel direct assistance to victims of these human rights violations, through grants to civil society organizations.

The Humanitarian Funds run a fellowship programme, which aims to give young professionals with experience working for human rights organizations, notably on issues related to contemporary forms of slavery and/ or torture, the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and skills of these issues within the United Nations system.

Through this programme, fellows will gain working-level experience with the United Nations human rights system in the field of slavery and torture, including the evaluation and management of grants. Upon completion of the programme, fellows will bring back acquired capacity and skills to their community and/or organization.

• This call for applications (open from 15 February to 15 March 2022) is for two fellowship positions, assigned to the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat, within the United Nations Human Rights Office, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The fellowship position is offered from 1 August to 31 December 2022 (with a probationary period of two months). An extension up to a maximum of two years may be possible, pending availability of funding and taking into account the interest, motivation and performance of the incumbent.

The fellow will contribute to the work of the Humanitarian Funds including through the following:

• Evaluate and analyze project applications and liaise with applicant organizations to provide technical assistance;
• Conduct substantive research on and analysis of developments concerning contemporary forms of slavery and torture in specific countries;
• Review, record and compile information on best practices and lessons learned from grantees of the Funds;
• Contribute to outreach efforts, and prepare and translate promotional material to increase the visibility of the two Funds (website updates, brochures, social media posts, impact stories, etc.);
• Help organize and participate in the annual sessions of the Funds’ Boards of Trustees, including public events and policy discussions;
• Contribute to the work of other parts of the United Nations Human Rights Office as required.

The fellow will receive financial support from the UN Human Rights Office in the form of a monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the programme. A return flight ticket and health insurance will also be provided.  The fellow will receive periodic briefings and on-the-job training about the United Nations human rights system and relevant thematic issues.

Requirements:

• At least two years of professional experience in human rights and/or a related field, with a particular focus on contemporary forms of slavery and/or torture; knowledge of the United Nations system is an asset;
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations language, in particular Arabic, French or Spanish is an asset;
• Experience in fundraising, project management and/or forms of direct assistance (including legal, medical, psychological and social services to victims of human rights violations) is also an asset;
• Qualified candidates working with organizations which received or receive  funding from the Humanitarian Funds, as well as survivors of slavery or torture, are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Selected candidates are encouraged to share the knowledge and experience obtained during their fellowship with their organization.

The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of colour, gender, social origin, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious backgrounds, to apply.

Selection process for 2022:

Candidates should submit their application in an electronic format directly to the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat no later than 15 March 2022 by e-mail: Philippe Tissier (philippe.tissier@un.org). The application should contain the following:

1. a fully completed and signed application form and;
2. a letter of recommendation from the human rights organization where the applicant works/ed.

The Secretariat of the UN Humanitarian Funds will undertake the selection process. The evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written exam and an interview. The Secretariat’s recommendations will be shared with the Funds’ Boards of Trustees, and all candidates will be notified of the decision by e-mail no later than 1st May 2022.

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