Apply for the UNAIDS Internship and work with the human rights team either in Geneva or remotely

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Closing Date: 25 October 2025

Apply for the UNAIDS Internship and work with the human rights team either in Geneva or remotely

About UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations-UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mandate of the department

The Human Rights Team works to ensure the HIV response is grounded in human rights. The team directs and coordinates UNAIDS’ work on human rights and supports communities, governments and other stakeholders in implementing a rights-based response to HIV. The team provides leadership, advocacy, coordination, guidance and technical support for human rights and societal enablers, including in relation to stigma and discrimination, legally enabling environments and access to justice. The team supports the development of global standards through UN human rights mechanisms and provides technical support to ensure their implementation at regional and country level.

It uses its role as a convenor to build partnerships and alliances to catalyse action on human rights relating to HIV, such as the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination. The team works across a broad range of related human rights, including in relation to sexual and reproductive health, freedom of assembly, association and expression, drug policy, participation, women’s rights and children’s rights, rights relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as other human rights issues concerning people living with and at risk of HIV, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, people who use drugs, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender persons and prisoners

Main tasks and responsibilities of the position

Under the supervision of the Human Rights Team Lead and working closely with other members of the team and the broader Equality and Rights for All Department, the intern will contribute with the following tasks:

Provide research support to the professional staff of the Human Rights team on legal and human rights issues relevant in the HIV epidemic;
Assist in the preparation of meetings and initiatives;
Support the drafting of documents on human rights and law;
Assist in the drafting of confidential country reports or thematic submissions for UN human rights treaty bodies and special procedures;
Provide research and drafting support for amicus briefs in strategic litigation cases;
Assist in preparing communications and knowledge management products for dissemination of guidance, tools and other documents;
Perform various tasks in support of the team, as assigned.

Dates and location

The intern has the option of an in-person internship based in Geneva, or a remote internship from their home location. The internship is for six months starting in January 2025. Exact start date is flexible.

Qualifications and experience

Recently completed (within the past 12 months) or enrolled in an advanced university degree at master’s level or equivalent in public health, law, international relations or related field. An undergraduate or graduate degree (completed or currently enrolled) in law and/or human rights is desirable.

Salary

A stipend may be offered by UNAIDS to contribute to intern’s living expenses, only to candidates NOT already receiving financial support.

Contractual Terms and Conditions:

Ability to work effectively in teams, adapt and integrate easily with the team, work cooperatively in support of team objectives.
Ability to convey ideas and thoughts in a clear and convincing way in one-on-one discussions or groups presentations and ability to produce clear correspondence and written reports.
Ability to effectively apply their knowledge and skills to the job, and to consistently learn and improve performance.

Ability to show initiative and enthusiasm in their work, effectively organize and manage time, and deliver high-quality results in line with agreed objectives.
Ability to innovate and find new ways of working and improving results while maintaining a strong service orientation.
Ability to take ownership of assigned responsibilities, to be productive, fulfill commitments and use resources responsibly
Additional Infor

Candidates must be at least 20 years at the date of application and have a working knowledge (both oral and written) of at least one of the WHO/UNAIDS’s official languages required in the office of internship.
Candidates should be holders of a valid passport/ID from WHO/UNAIDS Member State.
Persons with immediate family members employed by the UNAIDS Secretariat (e.g. son/daughter, brother/sister or mother/father) are not eligible for UNAIDS internships. UNAIDS may only offer an internship to candidates who have NOT previously participated in UNAIDS’ internship program.

How to apply

Eligible candidates should apply through the internship portal at UNAIDS: UNAIDS e-Recruitment –
UNAIDS Internship 2024 (UNAIDS/24/FT43). In your motivation letter please specify that you are applying for the EQR-HRG Internship and send an email to [email protected] confirming you have applied.