About CIVICUS

CIVICUS is a global alliance dedicated to defending and promoting people’s power. With a network of over 15,000 members across 189 countries, CIVICUS works tirelessly to monitor violations of civic freedoms, call out perpetrators, and support civil society organizations worldwide.

The organization emphasizes amplifying excluded voices, especially from the Global South, and fostering a more accountable, effective, and innovative civil society ecosystem.

Through advocacy, research, and partnership-building, CIVICUS aims to strengthen civic space and uphold human rights globally.

About the Role

CIVICUS is seeking a motivated Human Rights Intern to support its advocacy priorities and work closely with various human rights stakeholders.

The internship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to international human rights efforts, particularly in relation to civic freedoms and civil and political rights. The role provides hands-on experience in advocacy, event coordination, research, and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic and impactful international civil society organization.

This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about human rights, international relations, and civil society advocacy.

The successful candidate will assist the organization’s efforts in engaging with the United Nations and other key human rights bodies, supporting member activities, and contributing to research and communication strategies.

Job Details

Job Title: Human Rights Intern
Department/Cluster: Geneva Office
Location: Remote (with potential travel to Geneva or Europe)
Grade & Salary: USD 1200 per month (stipend)
Contract Type: Initial 3 months, extendable up to 6 months
Application Closing Date: 13 February 2026, 11:59 PM SAST
Start Date: 1 March 2026

Reporting and Supervision

The intern will report directly to the Cluster Lead based in Geneva, working closely with the UN Advocacy and Network Officer. The role does not include any direct reports but involves significant collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Human Rights Intern will play a vital role in supporting CIVICUS’s advocacy initiatives, particularly in engaging with the UN human rights machinery, including the Human Rights Council. Under supervision, the intern will assist in a variety of activities aimed at strengthening human rights advocacy, network engagement, and civil society support.

Key Areas of Responsibility

UN Advocacy and Member Support

Assist CIVICUS’s engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and other international human rights bodies.
Support the preparation of advocacy materials, statements, briefing notes, and speaking points for CIVICUS representatives.

Provide logistical support to CIVICUS members, partners, and human rights defenders during advocacy missions, including organizing meetings and events.
Support the development of strategic communications related to UN advocacy efforts.

Event Coordination and Communication

Assist in organizing virtual and in-person events, including logistical arrangements, participant engagement, and follow-up activities.
Support the communications team in producing and disseminating timely advocacy and informational materials, such as reports, press releases, and social media content.

Research and Administrative Support

Conduct research on human rights issues, civic space, and related topics, drafting briefs, summaries, and policy analysis.
Support administrative activities including document management, scheduling, and correspondence.
Assist in maintaining records of advocacy activities, stakeholder contacts, and event documentation.

Additional Duties

Carry out any other tasks assigned by the supervisor, including administrative or ad hoc research activities.
Contribute to team meetings, planning, and reporting processes.

Person Specification

Education, Languages & Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Law, Politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university.
At least 6 months of relevant experience in an international policy, advocacy, or civil society environment.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong IT skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Good understanding of international relations, policy development, and civil society landscapes.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts and work with stakeholders from different backgrounds.

Desirable Attributes

Proficiency in other languages, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.
Based in or willing to travel to Europe, especially Geneva, during the internship period.
Demonstrated interest in human rights, civic space, and international advocacy.

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Application Process

Candidates interested in this opportunity should submit a comprehensive application comprising:

An updated CV detailing educational and professional experience.
A cover letter of no more than one page outlining motivation for applying and relevant skills.

Applications should be submitted via the CIVICUS careers portal: Apply Here or directly through the organization’s website: https://www.civicus.org/index.php/get-involved/work-with-us.

Deadline for applications: 13 February 2026, 11:59 PM SAST.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the deadline for interviews. Due to the high volume of applications, CIVICUS regrets that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. All applicants will be informed about the outcome once the position is filled or the recruitment process concludes.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Additional Information

The internship offers a stipend of USD 1200 per month.
The position is initially for three months, with an option to extend up to six months based on performance and organizational needs.
The role may require occasional travel within Europe, particularly to Geneva, for meetings and events.
CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw the vacancy at any stage of the recruitment process.

Why Join CIVICUS?

This internship provides an invaluable opportunity to contribute to global human rights advocacy at the UN level, gain practical experience in international policy and civil society engagement, and develop professional networks in the human rights sector. It is ideal for motivated individuals seeking to make a tangible impact in defending civic freedoms and strengthening civil society worldwide.

CIVICUS is hiring: Human Rights Intern (Remote plus Good Stipend)

Job Description