The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is seeking to recruit two interns for its Anti-Torture Programme in its International Secretariat in Geneva.

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

OMCT advocates the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture at the national and international level. As a key pilar of this work, OMCT mobilizes and coordinates civil society access to the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT).

OMCT is a proud member of the United Against Torture Consortium (UATC). Among the key priorities of the Consortium, torture and ill-treatment in the context of protests and a joint response to crisis situations feature prominently.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will work under the supervision of the Director of the Anti-Torture Programme. Under her guidance, the intern will implement a variety of tasks, providing a unique opportunity to learn about concrete and action-oriented anti-torture work and advocacy. The intern will have opportunities to interact and network with human rights defenders and other NGO professionals both at the United Nations and at OMCT’s office during meetings. Interns are fully included in staff meetings, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the work of an international human rights NGO.

Activities include:

• Assist in the coordination of civil society organisations’ engagement with the CAT.
• Attend and follow the State reviews at the CAT.
• Attend other meetings and sessions of the United Nations human rights mechanisms.
• Assist in the drafting of the E-bulletin and other communications.
• Carry out research on torture, use of force in extra-custodial contexts, children in detention, a global torture index and others.
• Assist with the organisation of field missions.
• Within the larger framework of the OMCT activities:  to help in the drafting of press releases, communications to international bodies and other interventions, to translate documents, to attend meetings with partner NGOs, and others.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s Programme in law, human rights, international relations, or related field.*
• The internship must be a compulsory part of the education curriculum and as such one of the conditions to obtain the desired certificate/diploma (validated through earning of credits)
• Candidates must be available for 40-50% during the term and 100% during term holidays
• Good knowledge and understanding of international human rights law, UN procedures and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights, particularly torture related mechanisms.
• Excellent research, drafting and editing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines and to adapt to multidisciplinary work in the environment of a multicultural team.
•  Ability to grasp ideas quickly, propose solutions as well as work on projects autonomously.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; working knowledge in French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian would be an asset.

*This internship is part of an academic training program, and must meet the conditions set by the Conseil de surveillance du marché de l'emploi (CSME).

WHAT WE OFFER

Remuneration: 500 CHF per month

Starting date: as soon as possible, ideally 1 March 2025.

Duration of the internship: 3-6 months

APPLICATIONS

Applications comprising a motivation letter and CV should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “CAT intern”, by email to applications@omct.org.

Deadline for the applications: applications must be received by 23 February 2025.