The United Nations continues to offer some of the most prestigious opportunities in the world for students and young professionals who aspire to work in global governance, peacebuilding, human rights, and international development. Among these opportunities, internships with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) hold a special place as they provide invaluable exposure to real-world human rights work.
For 2026, the United Nations has announced an excellent internship opening under OHCHR in Doha, Qatar, providing aspiring human rights professionals a chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional, multicultural, and mission-driven environment .
Internship Overview
This internship is categorized under the Human Rights Affairs Job Family and is officially listed under the United Nations Internship Programme. The position is available in Doha, where the selected intern will work directly under the guidance of the Head of the Centre and assigned human rights officers. The supervision structure ensures continuous guidance, mentorship, performance review, and skill enhancement throughout the internship period .
The internship duration ranges between 2 to 6 months, depending on organizational needs and the intern’s availability. The job announcement was posted on January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is January 30, 2026, making it essential for interested candidates to prepare and submit their application on time .
Work Environment and Role Context
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The internship will be in-person, meaning candidates must be available to physically work at the OHCHR Centre in Doha. Interns will collaborate closely with experts, staff members, and other interns, gaining firsthand knowledge of how international human rights institutions operate on a daily basis.
The internship is designed to support the broader mandate of OHCHR in Doha, enabling interns to meaningfully contribute while also enhancing their academic and professional learning experience .
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities assigned to the selected intern cover a wide range of actions aligned with OHCHR’s ongoing initiatives. Duties may vary slightly depending on the intern’s background, specialization, and program needs, but generally include the following core activities:
✔ Supporting Human Rights Education & Knowledge Management
Interns will work with the Human Rights Education and Training Unit as well as the Knowledge Management and Documentation Unit, contributing to organizing training programs, workshops, meetings, and awareness activities. They may also assist with documentation, coordination, and execution of human rights learning initiatives .
✔ Database & Information Management
A critical part of the internship involves assisting with data collection, database handling, documentation, storage, and analysis. Interns help maintain well-organized information systems, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of records relevant to OHCHR functions .
✔ Human Rights Research
Interns will conduct research on various human rights issues and themes connected to the mandate of the Doha Centre. This research may help inform policy discussions, program development, reports, and awareness materials .
✔ Translation and Language Assistance
Since OHCHR operates in multilingual global environments, interns may contribute by translating official documents, reports, and other materials from English to Arabic and vice-versa, supporting communication accessibility and stakeholder engagement .
✔ Administrative & Logistical Support
The role also includes assisting with:
- drafting minutes of meetings
- preparing participant lists
- supporting logistics for trainings and workshops
- contributing to report drafting and concept note preparation
- participating in staff meetings and contributing ideas
Overall, interns are expected to provide professional support across various administrative, organizational, and programmatic areas as needed .
Eligibility Criteria & Required Qualifications
To qualify for this internship, candidates must meet the educational eligibility standards of the United Nations Internship Programme, which include the following:
🎓 Educational Requirement
Applicants must either:
- be enrolled in or have completed the final year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level), or
- be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program such as a Master’s degree or higher.
Preferred academic fields include political science, social sciences, law, human rights, or international relations, though related disciplines may also be considered .
🧑💻 Experience Requirement
No formal work experience is required, making this internship ideal for students and fresh graduates. However, candidates must demonstrate how their academic training, coursework, and skills would contribute to OHCHR’s work. Applicants are also expected to be proficient with standard computer software and digital tools .
Language Requirements
Given the international nature of OHCHR’s work in Doha, strong linguistic skills are essential. For this internship:
- Fluency in English and Arabic (oral and written) is mandatory
- Knowledge of French is considered an added advantage
These requirements reflect the multilingual professional environment of the UN and its regional engagement needs .
Important Note on Financial Conditions
One of the most important aspects applicants must understand is that this internship is not financially remunerated. The UN clearly states that interns are not paid and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa, and living expenses during the internship period.
Additionally, non-resident applicants must secure their own visa and employment authorization before joining the internship. Applicants should assess their financial feasibility before applying .
Ethical & Transparency Statement
As always, the United Nations reiterates that it does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application submission, interviews, processing, or training. Applicants are warned not to share bank account or financial details with anyone claiming to represent the UN unless officially verified .
Why This Internship Matters
This OHCHR internship is not just a learning experience—it is a chance to:
- engage directly in global human rights advocacy
- develop professional skills in an international setting
- enhance research, analytical, and communication capabilities
- network with experienced human rights officers and global professionals
- contribute meaningfully to initiatives protecting human dignity and justice worldwide
For young individuals passionate about justice, equality, peace, and humanitarian principles, this internship provides a solid stepping stone toward careers in the UN System, international NGOs, government institutions, academia, and diplomacy.
Final Thoughts
The United Nations OHCHR Human Rights Internship in Doha 2026 is a prestigious and meaningful opportunity for motivated, ethical, and academically driven individuals. With strong learning exposure, international networking opportunities, and impactful responsibilities, it offers an unparalleled pathway into the world of human rights and global governance.
However, applicants must prepare thoughtfully—ensuring they meet eligibility requirements, understand the unpaid nature of the internship, and are ready to contribute proactively in a professional environment.
If you are passionate about defending human rights and eager to gain real-world experience at a global level, this UN OHCHR internship could be the perfect platform to begin your journey
