UNHCR Announces Multiple Internship Opportunities Across Various Locations Worldwide . Apply This December

December 16, 2024Last Updated: December 16, 2024

5 minutes read

UNHCR Announces Multiple Internship Opportunities Across Various Locations Worldwide . Apply This December

Introduction

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals globally. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its mission and expand its workforce, UNHCR offers numerous internship opportunities for young professionals looking to contribute to its humanitarian work. These internships span various regions, providing students and recent graduates the chance to gain valuable experience in the field of international human rights and refugee protection.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the multiple internship roles available from UNHCR across different locations, including key details about the responsibilities, qualifications, and application processes for these prestigious positions.

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Why Intern at UNHCR?

Internships at UNHCR provide a unique opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, which has been at the forefront of addressing the global refugee crisis for over 70 years. Interns are exposed to critical operations, working alongside seasoned professionals in diverse environments, from policy advocacy to emergency response.

Beyond gaining hands-on experience, interns develop valuable skills in the areas of project management, data analysis, communication, and international relations. In addition, the experience offers interns insight into the inner workings of the United Nations and a chance to make meaningful contributions to global refugee protection efforts.

Internship Opportunities by Region

UNHCR internships are available in multiple regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Below are some of the key internship roles and locations where UNHCR is currently offering opportunities.

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1. Europe: Field and Policy Internships

The European offices of UNHCR offer internships in multiple countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. Interns can be involved in either field operations or policy research roles, depending on their area of interest and academic background.

Field Internships: These internships typically involve assisting UNHCR staff with humanitarian projects in refugee camps, providing logistical support, collecting data, and helping to develop community outreach programs. Interns working in the field have the opportunity to interact directly with refugees and displaced persons, offering them a practical understanding of the challenges faced by these populations.
Policy and Advocacy Internships: Interns may work in the areas of refugee protection policy, human rights advocacy, and inter-governmental relations. These roles often require conducting research on international refugee law, analyzing refugee protection trends, and preparing reports on policy recommendations. Interns in this capacity contribute to high-level advocacy efforts on behalf of refugees.

2. Middle East and North Africa: Crisis Response and Protection Internships

The Middle East region is one of the most critical areas of focus for UNHCR, with large numbers of refugees and displaced populations in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. UNHCR offers internships that allow interns to directly support emergency operations in crisis-affected areas.

Crisis Response Internships: These internships focus on supporting UNHCR’s rapid response operations, including the distribution of aid, management of shelter programs, and the coordination of logistics in refugee camps. Interns may assist with assessments, field reporting, and supply chain management to ensure that emergency relief reaches those in need in a timely manner.
Protection and Legal Internships: Interns working in protection roles may assist with legal counseling for refugees, helping them navigate asylum applications and family reunification processes. Protection interns may also conduct interviews with refugees and assist in developing protection strategies to ensure that refugees have access to basic rights, such as education, health care, and legal documentation.

3. Asia and Pacific: Policy, Communications, and Field Support Internships

In Asia, UNHCR operates in diverse environments, from densely populated urban areas to remote refugee camps. Internship positions are available across various locations, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The Asia-Pacific region’s roles are particularly geared toward protecting refugees in some of the world’s most densely populated and diverse regions.

Field Support Internships: Interns in this role help with refugee assistance programs, including registration, health care, and education. These internships may involve field visits to refugee settlements, where interns will observe first-hand the impact of UNHCR’s programs and assist in monitoring refugee conditions.
Communications and Advocacy Internships: This role is ideal for those with an interest in media, public relations, or journalism. Interns may assist in preparing communication materials, including press releases, social media content, and reports for donors and the public. This position offers the chance to help shape the global narrative surrounding the refugee crisis and raise awareness of key protection issues.

4. Africa: Humanitarian Operations and Protection Internships

Africa hosts the largest number of refugees and displaced persons in the world, making it a critical region for UNHCR’s mission. Internship opportunities are available in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, where UNHCR operates several programs.

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Humanitarian Operations Internships: Interns supporting humanitarian operations are typically involved in providing direct assistance to refugees in camps and communities, ranging from food distribution to shelter and health services. They may also be involved in the planning and coordination of logistics for long-term development projects.
Protection and Data Management Internships: These internships focus on refugee data management and protection, helping to track refugee movements and assisting with protection case management. Interns may work on analyzing trends in refugee displacement, managing data collection tools, and conducting surveys.

5. The Americas: Legal and Research Internships

UNHCR’s operations in the Americas involve countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador, which are experiencing significant refugee inflows. Interns in these regions have the opportunity to work on legal, research, and field-based assignments.

Legal Research Internships: Interns in these roles assist with research on international refugee law, providing legal support to asylum seekers and refugees. They may also help with preparing legal documents and assisting in refugee status determination procedures.
Field-based Protection Internships: These internships are focused on direct support for refugees and asylum seekers in border areas. Interns may assist with organizing community outreach, providing logistical support for border interventions, or helping to develop support programs for those fleeing violence and persecution.

Application Process and Qualifications

UNHCR internships are open to students, recent graduates, and those pursuing careers in humanitarian aid, international relations, human rights law, and related fields. Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

Educational Background: Applicants should be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a university degree in fields such as international relations, law, political science, social sciences, or related disciplines.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of additional UN languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage.
Skills: Applicants should possess strong communication, research, and analytical skills. Experience in humanitarian work, advocacy, or legal aid is often preferred.
Commitment: UNHCR internships typically require a full-time commitment (35–40 hours per week) for a period of 3–6 months.

Applications for internships can be submitted through the UNHCR website. Candidates are required to submit a detailed CV, a motivational letter, and proof of enrollment or graduation from an accredited institution.

Conclusion

UNHCR’s multiple internship opportunities provide a unique and invaluable experience for those passionate about contributing to refugee protection, human rights, and global humanitarian efforts. Interns gain firsthand exposure to the organization’s fieldwork, policy advocacy, and emergency response initiatives while developing critical skills in international relations and humanitarian action.

Whether you are interested in working on the ground with displaced populations, contributing to research and policy development, or supporting communications efforts, there is a diverse range of opportunities for interns to engage with UNHCR’s mission. Apply now to become part of a team working toward a world where every refugee has the right to safety, dignity, and a future.