Volunteer Internship
UN WATCH VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is UN Watch?
UN Watch is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Geneva, Switzerland whose mission is to monitor the performance of the United Nations according to the yardstick of its Charter and to protect human rights for all. UN Watch believes in strengthening the role of democracies within the UN and in the Charter’s guarantee of equal treatment for all nations large and small. UN Watch is at the forefront in the struggle against anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias at the UN. For more information, please visit www.unwatch.org.
Does UN Watch offer paid internships?
No, unfortunately, UN Watch cannot offer a salary to interns due to visa complications. The only internships we offer are on a volunteer basis. Interns must find their own funding for travel, health insurance, daily living, lodging and all other costs. Geneva is an expensive city.
Are scholarships available for UN Watch interns?
Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available to top internship applicants. More information will be provided to eligible applicants during the interview process.
When are UN Watch internships available, and for how long do they last?
UN Watch offers three main internship opportunities throughout the year, each of which encompasses one Human Rights Council Session:
1. Spring (February, March, April), Application Deadline: November 30th
2. Summer (May, June, July), Application Deadline: December 31st
3. Fall (September, October, November), Application Deadline: April 30th
Interviews of qualified candidates are typically conducted in the month following the application deadline.
Interns are expected to commit to a minimum of two months and up to three months.
Is it possible to intern remotely?
Yes, but only if you are within one timezone of UN Watch's office in Geneva (CET). This means that we unfortunately cannot take remote interns from the US or Canada. UN Watch accepts remote interns dependent either on the preference of the applicant or the availability of spaces in the Geneva office. Remote interns perform nearly all of the same tasks as those physically in Geneva given that many of the UN's activities can be followed online.
What are an intern’s activities and responsibilities?
The activities and responsibilities of an intern typically include a broad range of substantive and administrative research functions, and may depend on the skill set and background of the applicant. Substantive responsibilities can include research and writing of reports, drafting correspondence, monitoring and reporting on meetings at the UN, attending and reporting on meetings with diplomats and UN officials, fact-checking and taking notes. Interns also participate in all administrative responsibilities, which regularly include website maintenance, answering telephones, making photocopies and filing, events support and other office tasks.
Does UN Watch have offices outside Geneva?
The only office in which internships are offered is in Geneva, opposite the European headquarters of the United Nations.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must have:
- at least one year of university studies;
- a strong interest in international relations or human rights;
- excellent English writing ability, preferably demonstrated by publications;
- a demonstrable commitment to the UN Watch mission;
- interest in combating antisemitism and anti-Israel bias;
- ability to work in a small, team-oriented environment operating under strict deadlines, flexibility, patience, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.