Who are we?

The UK Mission in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at many international organisations in Geneva and is recruiting a highly motivated and skilled intern to support the work of the Office of the Global Ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

These qualities will be tested through the recruitment process.

Are you prepared to play a key role in supporting the Ambassador’s work in fields including human rights, migration, labour rights and international law?

Can you bring initiative and creativity to a role that blends office management, communications, organisation of events, visits and logistics?

Roles and responsibilities

Office Management:

• Support diary management and daily logistics for the Ambassador, including coordination with diverse stakeholders and communities including governments, NGOs, international organisations, academia and the private sector, organisation of travel, and managing logistical arrangements for meetings and events.
• Play a lead role in the management of internal databases, file management and updating of planning and briefing documents.

Communications:

• Support the planning and implementation of the Ambassador’s public communications strategy, including working with the UKMIS Communications Team to create impactful content for diverse media and digital channels, including creating and editing videos, drafting social media posts and writing scripts, news articles and Op Eds.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the implementation of the Ambassador’s communication strategy to reach new stakeholders and communities.

Events planning:

• As part of a wider team, support the organisation of UKMIS events and visits to advance UK priorities. This will include coordination of logistics, protocol, and communication with internal and external partners.
• Support the organisation of country visits as part of the Ambassador’s global roving role as the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador.

Policy: 

• Support humanitarian, migration, political, human rights, labour and international law policy teams on coordination and organisational tasks including in the context of UN institutions and bodies.

• Fluency in both oral and written English (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*).
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with social medial platforms. Interest in creating visual and multimedia content (e.g. working with Canva or similar video production and editing tools).
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong interest in multilateralism and international affairs.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to work with peers and seniors.
• Highly motivated, flexible and positive team player, who enjoys collaboration and brings initiative and curiosity to work.
• Willingness to undergo a mandatory security check. 

• Previous experience in office management and/or event management.
• Some previous exposure to a government, diplomatic, international organisation, NGO or UN work environment could be advantageous.
• Undergraduate Degree or equivalent level studies (including level 5 or 6 course or advanced studies) in fields including international relations, political science, communications, diplomacy or other related areas. Candidates who have not been through Further Education, who can demonstrate the above essential criteria, are strongly encouraged to apply.
• French language would be a plus.

All applicants should have permission to live and work in Switzerland.

Applicants that have the right to live and work in Geneva and don’t require a visa sponsorship are: Nationals from United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA, along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican – these applicants are eligible to live and work in Switzerland as long as holding a full passport valid for at least 12 months. 

Where applicable, we encourage successful applicants (if from Europe or the UK) to obtain an Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC) prior to entering Switzerland.

The Mission offers a contribution to the payment of travel insurance for the duration of internship, in place of Private Swiss Health Insurance that includes health & accident cover for all interns.

The final appointment and commencement of internship will be dependent upon successful security clearance.

Learning & Development: 

The UK Mission Geneva attaches great importance to the learning and development of its staff, with both formal and informal training and development opportunities available for all employees, in line with a personalised development plan. This learning and development offer is facilitated by the Mission’s L&D Committee, and supported by the L&D Champion. 

A supervisor will guide the intern and provide on-the-job training and evaluation. 

There is plenty of learning and development available in this role, with a generous annual allowance to invest in L&D. The calibre of colleagues and breadth of the mission means there is room for personal growth. You will also have the opportunity to understand and contribute to the corporate life of a busy diplomatic mission.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Interviews will be held remotely (TEAMS).

Please be advised that the UK Mission will not be able to support any cost during the Recruitment and Selection process, Security Check nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

Important: Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our FCDO CBS Vacancies page. You can access it via the link below https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/27229-Internship-in-the-Office-of-the-Human-Rights-Ambassador-Geneva-CHEG26-012232/en-GB