Current vacancies
UN human rights and legal jobs
Human-rights, legal, and rule-of-law positions across OHCHR, UN treaty bodies, and human-rights units inside agencies. UNlockit refreshes UN-system vacancies daily from each agency's career portal; every posting links back to the official application page.
- Open roles
- 279
- Organisations
- 56
- Last refreshed
- 7/22/2026
Latest open roles
Legal Specialist (Development Law)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Home, Based
FAO seeks Legal Specialists to populate a roster for consulting assignments focused on development law within the food and agriculture sector. The role involves supporting the review and revision of national and regional legislation, conducting legal research, and disseminating legal information. Key responsibilities include assisting in the drafting of national and regional legislation, legal opinions, and international instruments, as well as supporting the negotiation of such instruments. The specialist will also contribute to legal capacity development by designing and implementing training, outreach activities, and conferences. Candidates must possess expertise in areas such as veterinary and phytosanitary legislation, food law, soil, water, environmental law, and climate change. The position is home-based but may involve travel to countries for liaison with national counterparts. Assignments range from a few days to 11 months. The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in Law or a relevant discipline, has at least one year of practical experience, and demonstrates working knowledge of English. This is a non-staff opportunity under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA).
Closes 8/16/2026Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking FPIC Specialists to establish a global roster of experts who will support the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) across FAO projects and programmes. Reporting to the Indigenous Peoples Unit within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division, incumbents will provide specialized technical support for FPIC implementation throughout the project cycle, including identification, formulation, appraisal, and monitoring. Key responsibilities include delivering training, advising on FPIC-related content in project design, reviewing environmental and social assessments, and supporting the development of regional focal point networks. The role requires bridging abstract policy frameworks with applied methodologies to ensure Indigenous Peoples' voices are integrated into decision-making processes. The ideal candidate possesses advanced expertise in FPIC with Indigenous Peoples, knowledge of international legal frameworks such as UNDRIP and ILO Convention 169, and experience in participatory methodologies and grievance mechanisms. This is a consultant position on a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) basis, offering up to 11 months of work with potential for extension, available at various locations globally.
Closes 8/15/2026Project Associate (Protection - GBV/CP)
International Organization for Migration · 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
The Project Associate (Protection - GBV/CP) role within IOM Ethiopia's Protection Unit supports the implementation of non-emergency protection activities, specifically focusing on Counter-trafficking, Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants, Child Protection, and Community Outreach. The incumbent assists the National Officer in executing protection, legal, MHPSS, and GBV activities, ensuring compliance with IOM standards and donor requirements. Key responsibilities include coordinating assistance with implementing partners and local authorities, facilitating referrals for safe shelter and healthcare, and conducting intake interviews and risk evaluations for vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking and unaccompanied children. The role requires accurate data collection using IOM's case management systems, maintaining service provider mappings, and drafting progress reports. Additionally, the associate supports capacity-building training for staff and partners on protection topics and maintains constructive relationships with community leaders and government counterparts. The position demands strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and organizational skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office. The candidate must be fluent in English and ideally possess working knowledge of Amharic, demonstrating a commitment to IOM's values of inclusion, integrity, and professionalism in a multicultural setting.
Closes 8/4/2026SVN/2026/028 - Senior Project Associate (LMI), Jakarta
International Organization for Migration · 🇮🇩 Jakarta, Indonesia
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a Senior Project Associate (LMI) based in Jakarta, Indonesia, to support the Migration, Business, and Human Rights (MBHR) Programme. This role focuses on promoting the human and labour rights of migrant workers, particularly women and vulnerable groups, within supply chains across key Asian corridors. The incumbent will assist in the conceptualization, coordination, and implementation of project activities, including monitoring budget execution, drafting reports, and organizing capacity-building workshops. The position requires extensive liaison with governmental authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure compliance and effective partnership. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical and administrative skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and deliver technical reports in English and Bahasa Indonesia. The role involves monitoring implementing partners, developing Standard Operating Procedures, and providing guidance to other staff members. It demands high levels of professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment under pressure.
Closes 7/29/2026Public Information Intern
Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) is seeking a Public Information Intern to support the Executive Office in clarifying the fate of missing persons in Syria and supporting victims. Located in Geneva, this full-time, in-person internship (3-6 months) involves drafting and publishing social media content, creating visual/multimedia materials, and managing communication archives under the supervision of a Public Information Officer. The role requires professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to UN principles. The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in or has completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree, with a field of study related to the internship. While professional experience is not required, familiarity with social media management and digital content creation is desirable. Fluency in English is mandatory, with Arabic knowledge preferred. Interns are unpaid and responsible for their own travel and living expenses.
Closes 7/29/2026Consultant - Edible Orchid Specialist
United Nations Environment Programme · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), acting as the Secretariat for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is seeking a Consultant - Edible Orchid Specialist for a home-based assignment. This short-term role focuses on implementing Decision 20.237 regarding edible tuberous orchids used in chikanda production. The specialist will compile information and develop identification materials for key species in the genera Disa, Habenaria, and Satyrium to support awareness-raising and enforcement of Appendix-II trade requirements. Key deliverables include a prioritized list of orchids, a document on tuberous orchid trade with images, and identification sheets for at least 15 species. The role requires advanced botanical knowledge, specifically regarding tuberous orchids in Southern Africa, and involves analyzing CITES trade data and consulting with the Plants Committee. The assignment is expected to last 10 days over a three-month period under the supervision of the CITES Science Unit.
Closes 8/5/2026Intern (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is seeking interns for the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in Vienna, Austria. This unpaid, full-time position offers a six-month duration with flexible in-person or remote work options. The intern will provide substantive, organizational, and logistical support to teams focused on technical cooperation, normative and policy work, knowledge development, and partnerships. Key responsibilities include conducting background research on country situations and legal frameworks related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, assisting in the planning and monitoring of technical assistance projects, and supporting capacity-building workshops. The role involves collecting and analyzing case law, managing information on UNODC platforms, and contributing to the preparation of official submissions, briefing notes, and communication materials. Interns may also assist in organizing intergovernmental meetings and liaising with UN offices and Member States. The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in or has completed a graduate or final-year bachelor's program in criminology, law, political science, social sciences, psychology, or international relations. They must possess strong analytical and drafting skills, proficiency in MS Office, and a demonstrated commitment to UN ideals. Fluency in English is mandatory, with knowledge of another UN language being advantageous.
Closes 8/5/2026Anti-Racism Intern
United Nations Human Settlements Programme · 🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
This is a six-month, unpaid, full-time internship within the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, Kenya. The role supports the Anti-Racism Advocates in implementing the organization's anti-racism strategy and responding to the UN Secretary-General’s call to address racism within the UN system. The intern will assist with research and analysis of UN policies on discrimination, interpret strategic action plans, and draft policy documents such as briefing papers and reports. Responsibilities also include servicing training events and meetings, maintaining resource libraries, and supporting the design and administration of surveys on racism and discrimination. The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree, or has already graduated with a relevant degree. They should have a keen interest in the UN's work, demonstrated tolerance for diverse cultural backgrounds, and strong analytical and communication skills. While professional experience is not required, a field of study related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), communications, or social sciences is preferred. Fluency in English is mandatory, with knowledge of another UN language being desirable.
Closes 8/6/2026INTERN Sri Lanka accountability project
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
This is a six-month, non-remunerated full-time internship within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically supporting the Sri Lanka Accountability Project (OSLap) based in Geneva. The role focuses on human rights monitoring, documentation, and analysis related to accountability frameworks and international crimes in Sri Lanka. Key responsibilities include reviewing and cataloguing information, maintaining documentation repositories, analyzing datasets for statistical outputs and visualizations, and supporting information management systems. The intern will conduct desk-based research on national and international accountability frameworks, with a focus on enforced disappearances, and synthesize best practices from UN entities, NGOs, and academic sources. Additional duties involve supporting the planning and coordination of meetings and events. The ideal candidate is a student currently enrolled in or having completed their final year of a first-level university degree, or enrolled in a graduate programme, with a background in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or records management. The role requires strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to interact respectfully with diverse cultural backgrounds. Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Tamil or Sinhala is advantageous. No professional work experience is required.
Closes 1/21/2027UN Women: Individual Contract – National Consultant - Gender-Responsive Safety and Access Audit, Port Vila Reconstruction (Port Vila, Vanuatu) (Re-Advertisement)
UN Women · 🇻🇺 Port-Vila, Vanuatu
UN Women seeks a National Consultant for a gender-responsive safety and access audit of the Port Vila market and Central Business District in Vanuatu, following earthquake reconstruction. The role supports the Lead Consultant in assessing how planned reconstruction affects women's safety, mobility, and economic participation. Responsibilities include conducting desk reviews, facilitating key informant interviews and focus group discussions with marginalized groups, performing site visits, and analyzing qualitative data to develop a practical action plan for gender-responsive infrastructure design. The consultant must adhere to survivor-centered ethical standards and produce reports in English. The ideal candidate possesses advanced knowledge of gender equality, EVAWG, and qualitative research methodologies, with specific experience in the Pacific context. This is a short-term consultancy based in Port Vila, requiring in-country field work and close coordination with government stakeholders and UN Women staff.
Closes 8/5/2026RE-OPENING: NATIONAL POST: Programme Analyst, Reproductive Health, Kabul, Afghanistan, NO-B
United Nations Population Fund · 🇦🇫 Kabul, Afghanistan
The Programme Analyst, Reproductive Health supports UNFPA's implementation of reproductive and maternal health programmes in Afghanistan, focusing on Basic Human Needs interventions within the Maternal Reproductive Health portfolio. Embedded in the MRH Unit, the role provides technical and programmatic support to strengthen the delivery of quality, life-saving reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services in a complex humanitarian context. Key responsibilities include supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of RH interventions under the BHN framework; providing technical input on service delivery; and promoting adherence to national and international standards. The incumbent contributes to policy development, clinical guidelines, and training materials, while participating in technical working groups. Programme management duties involve developing annual work plans and budgets, ensuring results-based monitoring, and tracking key performance indicators. The role also emphasizes partnerships and resource mobilization, requiring coordination with implementing partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society. The analyst supports advocacy efforts, prepares concept notes and donor reports, and promotes collaboration among stakeholders. The position reports to the Programme Specialist, RH/FP, and aims to expand equitable access to essential RH services for women, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. UNFPA seeks principled staff who embody international norms and deliver high-impact results in a rapidly changing funding landscape. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting UNFPA's commitment to gender balance and diversity.
Closes 7/29/2026Auxiliar de Apoyo Operativo (Coordinación de mecanismo de Retroalimentación de la Comunidad CFM)
World Food Programme · 🇸🇻 San Salvador, El Salvador
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking an Operational Support Assistant to coordinate its Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) in El Salvador. The role ensures the CFM operates effectively, providing a channel for beneficiaries to submit complaints and feedback. Key responsibilities include planning and implementing CFM dissemination activities, systematically collecting and processing data to generate reports and visualizations, and monitoring compliance with corporate standards and data protection policies. The incumbent will respond to queries, manage the CFM database, conduct satisfaction surveys, and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partners and community leaders. The role also involves administrative and financial task management and supervising operators. The ideal candidate possesses a secondary education diploma (or university degree) and at least four years of administrative/operational experience (or two years with a degree). Strong skills in reporting, data analysis, and office software are required. Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with basic English desirable. The position is restricted to Salvadoran nationals or those with valid work authorization in El Salvador.
Closes 7/29/2026RE-OPENING: NATIONAL POSTS: Area Gender Based Violence/PSEAH Analyst, Herat / Jalalabad / Kandahar, NO-B (3 posts)
United Nations Population Fund · 🇦🇫 Herat, Afghanistan
The Area GBV/PSEAH Analyst provides technical and programmatic support for the implementation, monitoring, and coordination of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response interventions, as well as Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) systems in Herat, Jalalabad, or Kandahar. The role involves field coordination, ensuring survivor-centered service quality, partner oversight, and compliance with UNFPA standards. Key responsibilities include conducting field monitoring visits, supporting SEA risk assessments, representing UNFPA in sub-national coordination forums, and contributing to service mapping and referral pathways. The position requires strong inter-agency coordination skills and the ability to reinforce accountability to affected populations. The ideal candidate possesses an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as sociology, public health, or international development, along with at least two years of professional experience in GBV programming, protection, or humanitarian response. Fluency in English and Dari or Pashto is mandatory. The role is open exclusively to Afghan nationals, with a strong encouragement for female applicants to apply, reflecting UNFPA's commitment to gender balance and diversity.
Closes 7/29/2026Intern
United Nations Development Programme · 🇱🇦 Vientiane, Laos
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lao PDR is seeking a Communication and Reporting Intern to support the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) portfolio within the Inclusive Growth Unit. This role focuses on the strategic framework 'Safe Path Forward III' (2021–2030), which aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 18 by keeping lives safe from UXO. The intern will assist with sector analysis, project support, research, and communication tasks. Key responsibilities include supporting the implementation of UXO activities, engaging with government counterparts and donors, and contributing to concept notes and proposals for funding. The role also involves drafting progress reports, briefing notes, and policy documents, as well as developing communication materials such as presentations, data visualizations, case studies, and social media content to promote UNDP’s work. Additionally, the intern will provide administrative support, including logistics, scheduling, and maintaining records. The position offers practical experience in development programming, donor reporting, and knowledge management, aligned with Lao PDR’s National Socio-Economic Development Plan. The ideal candidate is currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a Master’s program, or graduated within the last year from a relevant field such as Journalism, Mass Communication, or Development Studies. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and excellent English communication skills are essential. This is an unpaid internship requiring the intern to cover their own expenses, visa, and accommodation.
Closes 7/28/2026Human Rights Officer, P4
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇺🇸 New York, United States
The Human Rights Officer (P4) role within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) focuses on transitional justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The incumbent provides extensive legal research and analysis, supports High Commissioner advocacy, and offers technical assistance to States on draft legislation and policies. Key responsibilities include monitoring international human rights instruments, supporting treaty bodies, preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, and integrating human rights dimensions into UN programs. The role requires strong data visualization skills to identify trends and support decision-making, as well as training and supervising junior staff. The ideal candidate possesses advanced knowledge of human rights issues, legal drafting capabilities, and experience in policy development. This is a temporary three-month assignment with possible extension, located in New York, requiring fluency in English and desirable proficiency in French.
Closes 7/28/2026Consultant
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) seeks a Consultant to develop an Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) monitoring tool focused on the rights to health and work (including social security) in Malaysia. Working under the supervision of the ESCR Knowledge Hub and in coordination with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the consultant will design a comprehensive monitoring framework aligned with international human rights standards and the Global Human Rights Indicator Framework (GHRIF). Key responsibilities include conducting a situational analysis of rights in the Malaysian context, mapping existing laws and data sources, and developing a detailed indicator matrix with structural, process, and outcome indicators. The role requires integrating human rights principles such as non-discrimination and accountability, and ensuring appropriate data disaggregation. The consultant will organize and lead a validation workshop with SUHAKAM stakeholders, refine the tool based on feedback, and provide a user guide for implementation. This three-month full-time consultancy requires advanced expertise in human rights research, monitoring, and analysis, with a strong understanding of Malaysian legal and policy contexts. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background in relevant fields and significant professional experience in ESCR issues, demonstrating the ability to translate complex international standards into actionable national monitoring frameworks.
Closes 7/31/2026HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/SGBV INVESTIGATOR (Temporary Job Opening), P3
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator serves as a key member of the Group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, based in Vienna. The role focuses on investigating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other human rights violations. Responsibilities include leading research and analysis of SGBV allegations, designing information gathering plans, and conducting investigations through victim and witness interviews. The officer utilizes monitoring tools, open-source intelligence, and satellite imagery to geolocate incidents and verify testimonies. Key duties involve identifying perpetrators, monitoring violation trends, and ensuring the protection and safety of victims and witnesses in accordance with the 'do no harm' principle. The incumbent drafts analytical reports, conducts gender analysis, and integrates gender-sensitive approaches throughout the investigation and reporting process. The role requires strong professional competencies in international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law, alongside research and analytical skills. The officer must work collaboratively, plan effectively, and maintain high standards of professionalism. This is a temporary position available until December 31, 2026, subject to funding and mandate extension.
Closes 8/4/2026Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants – Internship
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime · 🇸🇳 Dakar, Senegal
This internship is located within the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (TIPSOM) Unit of the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar. The intern supports the Associate Programme Officer and Regional Coordinator in coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the TIPSOM programme portfolio, specifically the PROMIS project. Key responsibilities include assisting with work plan preparation, tracking programme progress, documenting bottlenecks, and strengthening partner networks. The role involves collecting data for project implementation, managing correspondence and filing, and providing administrative support for workshops and training seminars related to combating trafficking and migrant smuggling. The intern must also provide guidance to partners on expense documentation. The ideal candidate is a graduate student or recent graduate with a keen interest in UN ideals, cultural tolerance, and strong computer literacy. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory. The position is unpaid for three months, with the intern responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/4/2026HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / INVESTIGATOR P3 - Two positions - (Temporary Job Opening), P3
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking two Human Rights Officers/Investigators at the P3 level to support the Group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, based in Vienna, Austria. The role involves researching, collecting, and analyzing information on human rights, international humanitarian, and criminal law violations. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations through victim and witness interviews, monitoring violation trends, and utilizing multi-source data including open-source material and satellite imagery for geolocation and authenticity assessment. The incumbent must identify alleged perpetrators, ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, and preserve investigation documentation. The position requires drafting analytical documents, including gender analyses, and contributing to the Group's reports. The ideal candidate possesses strong research and analytical skills, knowledge of institutional mandates, and the ability to integrate gender perspectives into all stages of investigation and reporting. This is a temporary position available until December 31, 2026, subject to funding and mandate extension.
Closes 8/4/2026Associate Interpreter (Temporary Job Opening), P2
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking an Associate Interpreter (P2) for a temporary position based in Vienna. The role involves providing consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between English and Dari/Pashto for high-level meetings, witness interviews, and legal proceedings related to international crimes and human rights violations. The incumbent will also contribute to data analysis and visualization for reporting purposes and perform translation duties when interpretation tasks are unavailable. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, accuracy under stress, and strong communication skills. This is a limited-term appointment subject to mandate continuation and funding availability.
Closes 8/4/2026
Top organisations
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe31
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights29
- UNICEF25
- International Committee of the Red Cross22
- International Organization for Migration21
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime20
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies10
- World Bank Group9
- UNESCO8
- International Civil Aviation Organization6
Top countries
- Austria56
- Switzerland34
- United States23
- Ukraine11
- Kenya7
- Netherlands7
- Belgium5
- France5
- Thailand5
- Ethiopia4
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a human rights role on UNlockit?
UNlockit's classifier reads each job description and tags the role with one or more domains. Human rights corresponds to the following internal tags: human_rights_legal.
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All listings are aggregated from public UN-system career portals — Inspira, Oracle HCM, agency microsites — and refreshed at least once every 24 hours.
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