The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the principal UN entity mandated to promote and protect human rights globally, has announced a range of career opportunities for January 2026. These openings span professional, general service, consultancies, and internship categories, offering diverse pathways for candidates committed to human rights, equality, justice, and international law. OHCHR plays a central role in advancing the human rights agenda worldwide by supporting UN Member States, civil society, and individuals in upholding international human rights standards. With field presences in multiple regions and headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, OHCHR works on thematic and country-specific issues, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. General Information Organisation: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)Vacancies: January 2026 recruitment cycleLocations: Geneva and multiple duty stations worldwideContract Types: Professional and higher categories (P-level, D-level) General Service (G-level) Consultancies Internships Short-term/temporary appointments Vacancies provide opportunities for both early-career professionals and experienced specialists in human rights law, advocacy, policy analysis, programme implementation, field operations, research, and communications. Types of Positions Professional and Higher Categories These competitive posts require advanced academic qualifications and relevant professional experience in human rights or related fields. Roles may include: Human Rights Officers Legal Officers Monitoring and Reporting Specialists Policy and Advocacy Officers Field Operation Coordinators Programme Managers Typical requirements: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, human rights, international relations, political science, or related field Demonstrated expertise in human rights mechanisms, treaty bodies, or field-based monitoring Multilingual proficiency, often including English and another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese) General Service Positions These roles provide essential administrative, operational, and programmatic support across OHCHR offices. Common functions include: Administrative Assistants Programme Support Assistants Communications Support Logistics and Operations Support Qualifications: High school diploma with relevant work experience or a post-secondary qualification and demonstrated competency in administrative tasks, office systems, and UN procedures. Consultancies and Short-Term Contracts OHCHR periodically recruits consultants and specialists for discrete assignments, research projects, or technical support activities. These may include: Human rights research and analysis Development of training materials Support for special procedures or country mandates Technical reporting and documentation Consultancy engagements often require subject-matter expertise and the ability to deliver defined outputs within specified timeframes. Internship Programme The OHCHR Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain firsthand exposure to international human rights work. Interns typically support: Research and documentation Preparatory work for human rights mechanisms Communications and stakeholder engagement Support for special rapporteurs and mandate holders Eligibility: University enrolment or recent completion of a relevant degree, excellent research and writing skills, and a demonstrated interest in human rights. Who Should Apply? OHCHR welcomes applications from candidates who: Are passionate about human rights protection and promotion Demonstrate professional integrity, analytical rigor, and ethical conduct Have substantive knowledge of international human rights law, treaties, and mechanisms Possess strong communication skills and the ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments Meet the educational and experience requirements specified for each position How to Apply Visit the UN Careers Portal:Candidates must register or log in to the official UN Careers website. Search for OHCHR Vacancies:Use the “Organisation” filter to select UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Review Job Descriptions:Each vacancy includes detailed information on responsibilities, qualifications, competencies, duty station, contract type, and application instructions. Submit Application:Upload a tailored CV, cover letter, and any required supporting documents before the vacancy deadline. Follow Up:Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further assessments, including written tests or interviews. Tips for Applicants Ensure applications reflect relevant human rights experience and accomplishments. Provide clear examples of work in related fields, such as monitoring, reporting, advocacy, or legal analysis. Tailor application materials to each vacancy’s specific competencies and technical requirements. Familiarity with UN human rights mechanisms and mandate reporting processes is an advantage. Fluency in multiple UN official languages strengthens competitiveness. Why Work with OHCHR? OHCHR offers professionals and emerging talent a chance to: Contribute to international human rights norms and standards Engage with governments, civil society, and multilateral partners Support human rights defenders and rights-holders globally Work in multi-disciplinary, multicultural environments Influence policy and practice on issues such as gender equality, freedom of expression, economic rights, and justice reform. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.