HR, People & Culture Intern

Job Title: HR, People & Culture Intern

Department: People & Culture (Human Resources)

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Line Manager: Global Head of People, Culture and Human Resources

Duration: 6 to 9 months, according to internship agreement, Full time (40 hours/week), with hours adjusted during the school season

Start Date: February 1, 2026

Stipend: CHF 1,500 to CHF 1,700 per month (Gross)

About Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP)

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through unarmed civilian protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence and protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath and to help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

Purpose of the Role

The HR, People & Culture Intern will support NP’s global Human Resources operations from our Geneva Headquarters, contributing to key areas such as recruitment, onboarding, HR data management, learning and development, and staff engagement initiatives.

This internship provides valuable hands-on experience within an international NGO setting, offering exposure to people-centered HR practices, global workforce management, and organizational culture development. The intern will also provide administrative and project support to the Global Head of People, Culture and HR, gaining insight into strategic HR work at the global level.

The ideal intern will be curious, proactive, and ready to take initiative- someone who enjoys learning, actively seeks out ways to improve systems and processes, and turning ideas into practical actions that benefit staff and the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support the preparation and posting of job advertisements.

• Assist with candidate screening and coordination of interviews.

• Prepare onboarding materials and support smooth integration of new staff.

2. HR Administration & Data Management

• Maintain and update HR databases, digital files, and organizational charts.

• Assist with HR documentation, contracts, and staff records.

• Support HR compliance and policy updates.

3. Learning, Development & Engagement

• Help organize internal learning sessions and HR communications.

• Contribute to employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.

• Support creative ways to strengthen NP’s culture of collaboration and inclusion.

• Take initiative in proposing ideas that help foster a positive and inclusive staff experience.

4. Digital Tools & Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the revamp and maintenance of NP’s internal SharePoint site to improve usability and employee experience.

• Help digitize HR resources for better accessibility and transparency.

• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes using digital tools.

• Proactively suggest improvements to how staff access and use HR information.

5. Research & Special Projects

• Conduct research on HR and organizational development topics (e.g., diversity, equity, wellbeing, global HR practices) and translate insights into practical recommendations.

• Propose and implement small improvement ideas- from templates to communication tools- that make the HR team’s work smoother.

• Approach tasks with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, helping identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Currently enrolled for the duration of the internship in a university degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field.

• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative and willingness to learn; someone who does not wait to be told but actively engages with their work.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Strong interest in People & Culture and Human Resources.

• Tech-savvy, with the ability to improve and maintain SharePoint and other digital platforms to support HR operations and employee engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French is a strong asset.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Comfortable working in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with SharePoint or HRIS tools is an advantage.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a tripartite internship agreement with the enrolled university that allows for full-time (40 hours/week) work. Hours will be adjusted for school season.

• This internship must form part of an academic training programme, professional training programme, or socio-professional integration programme, in line with the conditions set by the Conseil de surveillance du marché de l’emploi (CSME).

• Must have a valid working permit for Switzerland.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in global HR operations, culture-building, and communications.

• Mentorship and exposure to a multicultural, mission-driven organization.

• Insight into HR and people strategies within the humanitarian and peacebuilding sector.

• Opportunity to contribute ideas that enhance staff experience and wellbeing.

HOW TO APPLY

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• The closing date for applications is 12th January 2025. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

• Candidates may be selected before the closing date, apply early

• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.