HR Intern

Role: Human Resources Intern

Contract Type: Volunteer, Pro Bono

Interview: October 2026

Duration: 12 Months (With Possible Extension)

Who we are & What do we believe?

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are !

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking motivated and eager-to-learn HR Assistants as part of our Generation Arcadia - Management Trainee program to join our dynamic HR team and grow within the organization. As a junior role within our HR department, you will be introduced to the core functions of recruitment and human resources, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of industry leaders. In this role, you will be responsible for posting job advertisements bi-weekly, screening candidates throughout the week, attending bi-weekly interviews as an observer, and preparing reports. Your role will be a vital support function in Arcadia’s recruitment process, helping ensure smooth operations and high-quality talent acquisition.

After completing six months of training, HR Intern will be appointed to one of six specialized HR departments based on their preferences and approval from management. These departments include:

• HR Culture Department: Focuses on shaping and maintaining Arcadia’s organizational culture, ensuring a positive and inclusive work environment that reflects company values and fosters employee engagement.
• HR Talent Acquisition Department: Specializes in strategic headhunting, identifying and attracting high-level executive talent for the organization.
• HR Training and Development Department: Develops and delivers training programs that foster continuous professional growth for employees across the organization.
• HR Recruitment Department: Focuses on managing the full recruitment process, from posting job ads to conducting interviews and selecting candidates.
• HR Coordination Department: Ensures seamless collaboration and integration between HR teams and other departments.
• HR Communications Department: Manages both internal and external communications, ensuring clear, transparent, and timely dissemination of information across all levels of the organization.

This unique opportunity is part of Arcadia’s management training program, where you will gain experience in various HR functions and enhance your expertise. In the second half of your contract, you will continue to work within one of the selected departments, where you will receive six months of specialized training and certification in your area of focus. After completing the year, you will be eligible for contract renewal as an Associate in your chosen department, solidifying your career growth within Arcadia. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn from industry leaders, develop your skills in a variety of HR fields, and continue growing within Arcadia’s evolving HR team.

Key Responsibilities

• Core Skill Learning: Learn and assist with the full recruitment cycle by posting job advertisements and screening candidates during the week. Attend bi-weekly interviews as an observer to gain insight into the recruitment process and enhance understanding of recruitment best practices. Compile and organize recruitment reports under supervision.

• Departmental Rotation: After six months, be appointed to one of Arcadia’s specialized HR departments based on preferences and management approval. Actively participate in the department’s projects and responsibilities to further develop HR expertise.

• Learning and Development: Participate in Arcadia’s management training program, gaining exposure to six different HR fields through hands-on experience, certification training, and guidance from industry experts.

Skills and Competencies Required

• Recruitment Process Familiarity: Strong interest in recruitment processes with a focus on posting job ads, screening candidates, and learning recruitment best practices.

• Growth and Development: Strong desire to learn and grow in the human resources field within a specialised field.

• Core Skill Learning: Eagerness to gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in HR functions, improving skills across various HR domains.

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively assist in recruitment tasks and collaborate with different HR departments.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or a related field, or a Master's degree in Psychology, Human Resources Management, or a related field, with no prior professional experience required but welcomed.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong desire to learn and contribute to HR projects and initiatives.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with a willingness to rotate through different HR departments during the management training program.
• Advanced proficiency in both written and spoken English is a must.
• A motivational and professional approach, fostering trust and credibility within the members.
• Comfortable with a part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
• A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.

What We Offer

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement in your field at the end of your 1 year, according to evaluation by the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good for the world.

Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.