International Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law
2024 - 2025
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) is an international independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Geneva, dedicated to the promotion and reinforcement of commitments to the principles and norms of human rights.
Mission
Basing its work on the rules and principles of International Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, GICJ observes and documents human rights violations, and seeks justice for their victims through all legal means available.
GICJ relies on diverse methods and resources to raise awareness of human rights violations and achieve its mission.
GICJ works with a coalition of NGOs on the ground and around the world. GICJ also works with networks of academics, lawyers and experts who contribute their knowledge and expertise on relevant issues and cases.
GICJ participation with the United Nations includes, among others, preparing and submitting reports, letters and urgent appeals on human rights violations, attending Human Right Council’s sessions; organizing conferences…etc.
GICJ is seeking experienced and highly motivated interns or volunteers to help in implementing its programmes and activities, in the fields of international law, international human rights law, journalism, social media, administration and fund raising.
The internship
Through the internship and volunteer programme, GICJ hopes to contribute to the promotion of human rights and international law, and to provide interns opportunities to deepen their knowledge and valuable hands-on experience and training. The internship is an opportunity for those interested in learning more in the field of international law, international human rights and international humanitarian law as well as multilateral diplomacy to gain insight, knowledge, professional experience. To this end interns will:
- Learn more about the applications of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international law.
- Learn about the United Nations, its bodies and their work.
- Develop an understanding of the structure and work of non-governmental organizations.
- Develop an understanding of how civil society contributes and interacts with the UN.
- Improve their research and writing skills.
- Improve their ability to speak at meetings and conferences.
Tasks & responsibilities
The tasks and responsibilities of our interns will include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring UN human rights meetings and activities, especially the Human Rights Council, treaty body sessions and working groups;
- Conducting research and analytical work on human rights violations and applicable international law.
- Drafting reports, letters, statements, and urgent appeals to UN human rights bodies.
- Assisting in the organizing, promoting and execution of conferences and meetings.
- Preparing summaries and press releases on meetings and on GICJ activities.
- Assisting with the maintenance of the GICJ website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
- Dealing with media requests, assisting in the preparation and distribution of the GICJ newsletter and press releases.
- Conducting administrative tasks when needed.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- To have previous knowledge in the field of international law, UN frameworks, and particularly the human rights mechanisms.
- To have excellent presentation, writing, editing, research, oral advocacy and communication skills.
- Ability to organize and drive projects to a timely completion.
- Ability to work collaboratively, to multi-task, and to work under pressure.
- To be self-motivated, having a strong commitment to the Centre’s mission, principles and values.
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
- PhD students, MA and BA degree holders in the fields of Law, International Relations, Middle Eastern, African or European Studies, Human Rights, Political Science, Economics, Media, Development & Public Policy. Current University students can also apply if they meet certain requirements.
- Candidates with previous fundraising experience are also encouraged to apply for our fundraising focussed internship positions.
- Fluency in English required; Arabic, Spanish or French language skills are a plus.
- Very good computer skills, including knowledge and experience in all Microsoft Office software (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc).
Notes:
Transportation with the Geneva Public Transport will be covered by GICJ monthly.
How to Apply:
A cover letter, resume, latest school or university certificate, and reference information should be sent as attachments to:
- Applicants must indicate “Internship 2024 - 2025” as the subject of the email letter. Please note that for in person internships we can only consider the applications of Swiss or and EU citizens. Applicants from other countries who already have a valid Swiss or EU permit will also be considered, otherwise they can be considered for remote internship which is available for all nationals.
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.