UN Advocacy and Research Intern

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS exists to defend people power. As a growing global alliance of over 15,000 members in 189 countries, we work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. We strive to promote excluded voices, especially from the Global South.

About the Role

CIVICUS is seeking a UN Advocacy and Research Intern to support the implementation of its advocacy priorities with human rights stakeholders in New York City. This role will contribute to member support, event coordination, communications, and research related to human rights and UN advocacy, with a focus on civic freedoms and civil and political rights.

Role Overview:

Under the supervision of the UN Advisor in New York, the intern will support CIVICUS’ advocacy efforts and engagement with a wide range of human rights stakeholders. The role will also contribute to network engagement, member support, event coordination, and research.

Areas of Responsibilities & Key Activities

UN Advocacy and member support

• Support CIVICUS’ engagement during key UN moments, including the Commission on the Status of Women (March), High-Level Political Forum (July), and UN General Assembly (September).
• Attend high-level meetings and provide analysis of engagements with UN staff and Member States.
• Support the development of oral and written statements, as well as speaking points.
• Assist CIVICUS members and partners during advocacy visits and missions in New York City.

Event coordination and communication

• Support the organisation of events, including logistical arrangements.
• Assist the communications team in developing and disseminating timely and effective materials.

Research and administration

• Conduct research on human rights and civic space issues, including drafting briefs and summaries.
• Provide administrative support related to office coordination and file management.

Other

• The role holder will from time to time be required to carry out any other duties related to the scope of work.

Person Specification

Education, Language & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university.
• At least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment.

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in MS Office and general IT tools.
• Good understanding of international relations and policymaking processes.
• Familiarity with civil society and global political dynamics.
• Ability to work collaboratively and engage with diverse stakeholders across cultures.
• Based in New York City and authorised to work in the United States.

Please click here for a full Job Description

How to Apply

The closing deadline for applications is on the 30th March 2026 at 11:59pm SAST. We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy should a suitable candidate be identified. Please apply early.

The successful candidate will be expected to start on 1st May 2026.

Interested candidates should click here to apply or go to https://civicus.bamboohr.com/careers

Your application should comprise of:

• A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications.
• A covering note of not more than 1 page outlining your motivation for applying for the role.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the next steps. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.

CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.