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
About United Nation Human Rights
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The General Assembly entrusted both the High Commissioner and her Office with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. The United Nations human rights programme aims to ensure that the protection and enjoyment of human rights is a reality in the lives of all people. UN Human Rights also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the three interconnected pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and development. ... read more
UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme
| Application Deadline | 15 Mar 2022 |
| Country to study | Switzerland |
| Type | Fellowship |
| Sponsor | United Nation Human Rights |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Aim and Benefits of UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme
The fellow will contribute to the work of the Humanitarian Funds including through the following:
- Evaluate and analyse 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 for UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme Qualification
- 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.
Interview date, Process and Venue for UN Human Rights Fellowship Programme
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.
Documents Required for Application
- A fully completed and signed application form and;
- A letter of recommendation from the human rights organization where the applicant works/ed.
Application Deadline
March 15, 2022How to Apply
Candidates should submit their application form in an electronic format directly to the Humanitarian Funds Secretariat no later than by e-mail: Philippe Tissier ([email protected]).
For more details,visit UN Human Right website
