Internship – Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative Location: Geneva, Switzerland (Home-based option available)
The UNDP Internship in Business and Human Rights (BHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, is an opportunity to support the Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub within the Crisis Bureau of UNDP. The internship focuses on advancing the Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative, which promotes corporate responsibility in human rights and sustainable development.
Key Aspects of the Job:http://UNDP Internship – Business and Human Rights
- Purpose of the Internship:
- The intern will assist the Business, Human Rights, and Peace Team in various projects related to human rights, governance, and corporate responsibility.
- The role involves research, drafting reports, organizing events, and engaging with key stakeholders such as UN agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, and governments.
- The position supports global initiatives on business and human rights, including due diligence, modern slavery, environmental rights, and corporate governance.
- Main Responsibilities:
- Assist in organizing events like the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights.
- Support policy research and drafting documents like concept notes, reports, and briefings.
- Engage with partners (civil society, private sector, UN agencies) on BHR issues.
- Contribute to online engagement efforts such as webinars and practitioner discussions.
- Support communication strategies, including social media content.
- Assist in resource mobilization by researching funding opportunities and writing proposals.
- Thematic Areas Covered:
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights – the global framework for corporate accountability in human rights.
- National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights – policies adopted by governments to integrate human rights into business practices.
- Human Rights Due Diligence – ensuring businesses assess and mitigate their impact on human rights.
- Modern Slavery and Forced Labor – addressing labor exploitation in global supply chains.
- Sustainable Finance – integrating human rights considerations in investment and financial decision-making.
- Environmental Rights – ensuring corporate activities respect environmental and human rights.
- Internship Conditions:
- The internship is full-time and lasts 6 months.
- Remote work is allowed, but partial in-office work in Geneva may be required.
- No travel is involved.
- The intern must use their own laptop for work.
- The intern may receive a stipend, but this depends on UNDP policies and funding availability.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Education:
- Must be enrolled in or have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields (law, human rights, political science, development studies, etc.).
- Skills & Experience:
- Familiarity with the UN system, business and human rights, corporate sustainability.
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based tools.
- Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is an asset.
- Education:
- Application Process:
- Submit a CV and Cover Letter explaining interest and qualifications.
- Preferred start and end dates should be mentioned.
- The application must be submitted as a single PDF document.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
- Additional Considerations:
- Interns are not eligible for UNDP staff positions during the internship.
- Medical insurance is required, but UNDP does not cover medical costs.
- The intern is responsible for visas and travel arrangements.
- The internship aims to enhance professional experience but does not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
Why This Internship Is Valuable:@vacancyspaces.com
- Exposure to international human rights policies and corporate accountability frameworks.
- Networking with global experts in human rights, business, and governance.
- Hands-on experience in UN-led projects and working within a multicultural, international environment.
- Opportunities to develop research, writing, policy analysis, and event management skills.
Internship – Business and Human Rights (UNDP, Geneva, Switzerland)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a six-month full-time internship focused on business and human rights (BHR) under its Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub, which is part of the Crisis Bureau. This internship is designed for individuals passionate about corporate social responsibility, human rights, and sustainable development. The intern will work closely with experts in Geneva and New York, supporting global initiatives aimed at ensuring businesses uphold human rights standards and contribute to sustainable economic and social development.
Overview of the UNDP Business and Human Rights Initiative (B+HR Initiative)
The Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative is UNDP’s global program promoting responsible business conduct. It is currently implemented in 42 countries across Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative aims to support:
- Governments: Helping them create and enforce policies that protect human rights from corporate abuses, including National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (NAPs).
- Businesses: Training companies in human rights due diligence, ensuring ethical supply chains, and promoting corporate social responsibility.
- Civil Society & Stakeholders: Assisting NGOs, activists, and affected communities in monitoring human rights performance and ensuring victims have access to remedies.
The initiative is headquartered in Geneva, with close connections to UN human rights mechanisms such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Human Rights Council.
Key Responsibilities of the Intern
The selected intern will support the Business, Human Rights, and Peace Team in a wide range of activities, including:
1. Research & Policy Support
- Conduct research on corporate accountability, human rights law, modern slavery, sustainable finance, and environmental rights.
- Draft policy briefs, reports, and background papers for high-level meetings.
- Contribute to internal guidance notes to improve UNDP’s business and human rights initiatives.
- Assist in the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights for various countries.
2. Event & Community Engagement
- Help organize major global and regional conferences, including the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights.
- Support the development of online learning tools, webinars, and workshops.
- Facilitate online dialogues between UNDP country offices, businesses, and civil society organizations.
- Take meeting notes and follow up on key action points with stakeholders.
3. Partner & Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist in UNDP’s collaboration with UN agencies (OHCHR, ILO, UNEP, etc.), international organizations, corporations, and civil society groups.
- Support UNDP’s private sector engagement to encourage businesses to comply with human rights due diligence (HRDD) frameworks.
- Monitor policy developments related to corporate responsibility, ethical supply chains, and human rights violations.
4. Communications & Social Media
- Assist in drafting social media content, blog posts, and newsletters to promote business and human rights work.
- Support the preparation of press releases, event summaries, and website content.
- Help maintain and update the UNDP Business and Human Rights website and other digital platforms.
5. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
- Conduct donor research and identify potential funding sources for UNDP’s business and human rights initiatives.
- Assist in drafting grant proposals and funding applications.
Thematic Focus Areas
The internship will focus on several critical areas within business and human rights, including:
1. UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)
- Understanding the “Protect, Respect, and Remedy” framework, which outlines the responsibilities of governments and businesses to uphold human rights.
- Supporting companies in implementing human rights due diligence processes.
2. National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights
- Analyzing how different countries are developing and implementing NAPs.
- Providing support for government consultations and policy drafting.
3. Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)
- Studying how businesses assess and address human rights risks in global supply chains.
- Assisting in the development of training materials for corporate HRDD practices.
4. Environmental Rights & Climate Justice
- Exploring the connection between business operations and environmental sustainability.
- Researching the impact of climate change on human rights.
5. Modern Slavery & Forced Labor
- Investigating corporate involvement in forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.
- Assisting in the development of policies to prevent modern slavery in business operations.
6. Sustainable Finance & Responsible Investment
- Studying how investors incorporate human rights and sustainability principles into financial decisions.
- Supporting research on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria in business investment.
Who Can Apply?
Education Requirements:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in a master’s program or higher in law, political science, human rights, international relations, public administration, business, or development studies.
- In the final year of a bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields.
- Recently graduated (within one year) from a relevant university program.
Skills & Experience:
- Familiarity with business and human rights frameworks (e.g., UN Guiding Principles, OECD Guidelines, ILO Conventions).
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web-based applications.
- Understanding of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and governance issues.
- Experience in event organization, communications, or stakeholder engagement is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is an asset.
Internship Conditions
- The internship is unpaid, but UNDP may provide a stipend based on funding availability.
- The intern must have adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship.
- The intern is responsible for visa arrangements and travel (if applicable).
- The internship does not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
How to Apply?
Application Documents:
Candidates must submit:
- A cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications.
- A complete CV (Resume).
- Preferred start and end dates of availability.
- One single PDF file containing all required documents.
Additional Documents (if selected):
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide:
- Proof of university enrollment or recent graduation.
- Letter of recommendation from a professor.
- University transcript.
- Copy of passport.
- Medical certificate of good health.
- Proof of medical insurance.
Why Apply for This Internship?
- Gain practical experience in international human rights and corporate accountability.
- Work with global experts on governance, human rights, and sustainable business.
- Develop research, policy analysis, communications, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Network with UN agencies, government officials, and multinational corporations.
Background on UNDP and the Role of Business and Human Rights
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a vital part of the UN system, working in 170 countries to advance human development by tackling issues like poverty, inequality, and governance. UNDP helps countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing tailored solutions, and its work is anchored on the principle of leaving no one behind. This internship, offered by the UNDP’s Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub within the Crisis Bureau, focuses specifically on business and human rights (B+HR), which is one of the key thematic areas under the SDGs.
The B+HR initiative is an interdisciplinary project that focuses on three main actors:
- Governments, who must create and enforce laws to protect people from corporate abuses;
- Businesses, who are responsible for preventing human rights violations in their operations and supply chains;
- Civil society, which plays a crucial role in monitoring corporate behavior and advocating for the rights of affected communities.
This internship allows the selected candidate to contribute to these areas by assisting in research, policy development, event management, and partnerships across various global platforms. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about international law, corporate sustainability, and human rights.
Role of the Intern: Responsibilities and Tasks
The intern will be a key support for the Business, Human Rights, and Peace Team under the Global Policy Adviser on Business and Human Rights. They will be responsible for assisting with research, policy support, and logistical operations, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how the UN system addresses business’s role in human rights and sustainable development.
Key tasks include:
- Research and Analysis:
- Conducting in-depth research into global trends in corporate human rights violations and business accountability.
- Analyzing specific country reports on business and human rights, including issues such as modern slavery, environmental harm, and supply chain ethics.
- Assisting in the development of recommendations for improving regulatory frameworks related to business and human rights.
- Policy and Guidance Development:
- Drafting key background documents, such as terms of reference, concept notes, discussion papers, and briefing reports.
- Contributing to the review of internal guidance and policies on human rights issues, ensuring alignment with international standards.
- Supporting the creation and refinement of National Action Plans (NAPs), which guide countries on how to implement the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Event Planning and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Assisting with the organization and logistical planning for major business and human rights conferences, such as the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights and regional meetings.
- Facilitating virtual dialogues, webinars, and online training sessions that bring together business leaders, human rights experts, and UN stakeholders.
- Engaging with key partners across various sectors, including government entities, NGOs, and corporations, to drive collaborative efforts on human rights.
- Communication and Outreach:
- Contributing to the communication strategy of the team by drafting social media posts, press releases, and online content that highlights UNDP’s work in the business and human rights space.
- Maintaining and updating the UNDP Business and Human Rights website and contributing to digital publications.
- Supporting the creation of communications materials, such as newsletters, brochures, and annual reports.
- Resource Mobilization:
- Conducting fundraising research and donor mapping to identify new sources of funding for business and human rights projects.
- Supporting proposal writing and grant applications to secure financial resources for UNDP initiatives.
- Assisting with budget preparation and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
Learning and Development Opportunities
This internship will provide the successful candidate with an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Learn and Develop Key Skills:
- The intern will have the chance to hone skills in policy analysis, human rights research, international law, and stakeholder management.
- Gain practical knowledge of the UN human rights system and its mechanisms, including international law, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines.
- The internship will allow exposure to the global business community, enabling the intern to see firsthand how multinational companies are implementing human rights strategies in their operations and supply chains.
- Collaborate in a Diverse, Multinational Environment:
- The intern will work alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds, gaining a global perspective on human rights and sustainability issues.
- They will interact with UNDP staff based in Geneva, New York, and regional offices, which will enhance their understanding of global governance and international development practices.
- They will collaborate with experts in human rights law, corporate sustainability, and policy development—professionals who are at the forefront of the business and human rights field.
- Work on High-Impact Global Initiatives:
- The intern will directly contribute to high-impact projects aimed at improving corporate practices, strengthening legal frameworks, and advocating for the rights of marginalized populations globally.
- They will participate in shaping UNDP’s response to crises, human rights violations, and other emerging challenges facing global governance.
Preferred Candidate Profile:
UNDP is seeking an intern who is passionate about human rights, corporate sustainability, and international law. The ideal candidate will have the following qualities and experience:
- Academic Background:
- A degree in human rights law, international relations, political science, or other relevant fields. Graduate students or individuals who are completing their final year of undergraduate study are preferred.
- Previous exposure to human rights or international development topics is a significant advantage.
- Skills and Experience:
- Familiarity with UN human rights frameworks, especially those related to business and human rights, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the OECD Guidelines, or international human rights law.
- Experience with research, ideally in human rights, governance, or corporate responsibility contexts.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with web-based applications (webinar tools, content management systems).
- Previous work or internships with multilateral organizations, NGOs, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives would be advantageous.
- Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required, as all communications and documentation will be in English.
- Knowledge of additional languages (especially French, Arabic, or Spanish) is an asset, as it will facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders across different regions.
- Personal Attributes:
- Organized, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and impactful documents.
- Proactive and self-driven, with a keen interest in international human rights and corporate sustainability.
Why Consider this Internship?
By joining this UNDP internship, you will have the chance to directly contribute to global efforts aimed at holding businesses accountable for human rights impacts and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This internship provides a chance to engage with high-level stakeholders, gain deep insights into policy-making processes, and develop professional skills that will be invaluable for a future career in human rights, international law, or corporate sustainability.
Moreover, the UNDP’s diverse and inclusive culture offers interns the chance to work alongside motivated, passionate professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on global governance and the protection of human right
