World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is looking for an Africa Desk Intern (French-speaking)

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

The OMCT’s Africa Desk works across all three OMCT programmes – Anti-Torture, Human Rights Defenders, and Children – and operates at multiple levels: the United Nations system, the African regional human rights mechanisms, and at the national level with victims, survivors, and human rights defenders. The Desk also engages in litigation before African and UN mechanisms, research and drafting of the OMCT Index and thematic reports, and advocacy at the UN and regional levels. The team produces reports and studies on torture and human rights defenders and participates in advocacy and follow-up initiatives in collaboration with partners and civil society organisations.

The internship will support this multifaceted work, strengthen the team’s capacity, and provide a meaningful learning experience in international human rights protection and strategic litigation.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer – Regional Desk Africa, with guidance from the Head of the Africa Desk. The position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in anti-torture and human rights work, particularly in litigation, research, and advocacy before UN and African bodies. The intern will participate in staff meetings, advocacy events, and interactions with human rights defenders and international institutions, gaining comprehensive insight into the operations of a global human rights NGO.

• Assist in the implementation of the Africa Regional Programme in alignment with the OMCT’s global programmes (Anti-Torture, HRD, Children).
• Support litigation-related work before African and UN mechanisms (case preparation, research, drafting submissions).
• Contribute to the OMCT Index and assist in the preparation of reports, studies, and other publications.
• Support advocacy efforts at the UN, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other relevant bodies.
• Draft or edit reports, statements, and communications; assist with translation and coordination with partners.
• Attend and report on advocacy and follow-up meetings with CSOs, NGOs, and institutional stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Human Rights, International Relations, or related field.
• Knowledge of international and regional human rights law, particularly African human rights mechanisms and UN procedures.
• Candidates must be available at least 80%, ideally 100% of their time.
• Internship must be part of an academic curriculum and validated through academic credits (ECTS or equivalent).
• Internship agreement between OMCT, the intern, and the supporting educational institution.
• Excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and within a multicultural team.
• Demonstrated interest in litigation, research, and advocacy on human rights in Africa.
• Excellent oral and written English and French.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Remuneration: 500 CHF per month
• Starting date: as soon as possible, ideally 1 February 2025.
• Duration of the internship: 6 months

APPLICATIONS

Applications comprising a motivation letter and CV should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “Africa Desk intern”, by email to [email protected].

Deadline for the applications: applications must be received by 23 January 2026.

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