Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Human Rights Unit Internships – deadline 17 February

Applications are invited for internships in the Human Rights Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN, Geneva.

The Human Rights Unit coordinates Ireland's international human rights policy, and ensures that human rights concerns are given full expression in all areas of the Government's foreign policy.

The positions in the Human Rights Unit, Dublin and in the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN, Geneva are for a period of up to eleven months, with the first position commencing in April 2017. Other internship positions may subsequently arise in other Divisions in the Department, or in missions abroad, and candidates on the panel may be considered for these positions. A number of other positions may also be available. A shortlist of suitable candidates will be established from which the internship positions will be filled.

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications/experience:

• A first or second class honours degree in Law, International Relations, Human Rights, politics or another relevant discipline is required.
• A post-graduate or professional qualification is desirable.
• A good knowledge of International and/or Human Rights Law.
• A strong interest in human rights, foreign policy and current affairs.
• Work experience, preferably of at least 6 months duration, with organisations working in the field of human rights would be desirable.
• Good computer skills.
• Flexibility, initiative, good judgment, excellent drafting skills and the ability to work with a team.
• Proficiency in the French language, while not essential, is desirable.

Please note that candidates who have previously undertaken an internship or employment of six months or more in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or in an Irish Diplomatic Mission abroad are not eligible to compete.

Candidates wishing to apply for the intern positions should email hruintern@dfa.ie to request an application form (English and Irish versions available - please do not submit CVs). Please use a clearly legible computer font to complete the form. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Completed application forms, clearly marked, INTERN APPLICATION, should be submitted by close of business, Friday 17 February 2017 to:

Ms Martina Feeney
Director
Human Rights Unit
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
79-80 St, Stephens Green
Dublin 2
Email: hruintern@dfa.ie

Applications can be submitted by post or by e-mail.