UNHCR Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to a Career in Humanitarian Action . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNHCR
Application Deadline : 25 Nov 2024

Introduction

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is a global organization dedicated to protecting and assisting refugees, displaced persons, and stateless individuals worldwide. With its mission to provide life-saving aid, defend rights, and promote durable solutions for those forced to flee their homes, UNHCR is often at the forefront of humanitarian action across the globe. One of the most effective ways to contribute to this mission while gaining valuable professional experience is through internships with UNHCR.

In this blog post, we will explore multiple internship opportunities available at UNHCR, highlight the different roles, locations, and the skills and qualifications needed to apply. Whether you are an aspiring humanitarian professional, a recent graduate, or a student seeking practical experience, a UNHCR internship can be an excellent step towards building a career in the field of international development and human rights.

What is UNHCR?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization that provides assistance and protection to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals. Established in 1950, the agency is tasked with ensuring that displaced populations have access to fundamental rights, such as safety, shelter, education, health services, and livelihoods. It also works towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges faced by displaced people, including repatriation, local integration, or resettlement.

In addition to emergency response, UNHCR also engages in advocacy for refugee rights, policy development, and legal protection. The organization’s global reach, with operations in more than 130 countries, offers a broad spectrum of career and internship opportunities in various sectors, including protection, logistics, communication, and data management.

Why Intern with UNHCR?

Interning with UNHCR offers numerous benefits, both professionally and personally. Here are some of the key reasons why a UNHCR internship can be a transformative experience:

1. Gain Practical Experience: Interns at UNHCR are directly involved in important humanitarian projects, gaining hands-on experience in areas like protection, camp management, monitoring, reporting, and community outreach.
2. Networking and Mentorship: Interns have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering valuable connections and relationships within the international development and humanitarian sectors.
3. Professional Development: UNHCR internships provide exposure to global operations, policy frameworks, and advocacy strategies. Interns gain insight into the workings of a large international organization, which can significantly enhance their career prospects.
4. Contribute to Humanitarian Change: Interning with UNHCR means actively participating in meaningful work that helps to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, including refugees, displaced persons, and asylum-seekers.

Internship Opportunities Across the Globe

UNHCR offers internship positions in a variety of locations worldwide, each with its own focus and responsibilities. These internships are open to students and recent graduates from all over the world, and the organization actively seeks diverse candidates to ensure the broadest perspective on refugee issues. Below are some examples of the various internship opportunities that UNHCR offers:

1. Field-Based Internships

UNHCR operates in refugee camps and host communities in numerous countries, ranging from conflict zones to areas with ongoing displacement crises. Field-based internships allow participants to work on the ground with refugees and displaced populations.

• Location Examples:
• Jordan (Zaatari refugee camp)
• Kenya (Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps)
• Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar)
• Lebanon (Beirut and surrounding areas)

Interns in these field locations may be involved in a variety of tasks, such as:

• Assisting in the provision of emergency relief, including food, shelter, and health services
• Supporting community-based protection programs
• Conducting surveys or assessments of refugees’ needs
• Working on information management, data collection, and reporting

2. Headquarters-Based Internships

UNHCR’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, provides a wide range of internship opportunities in various departments, including policy, legal, communication, and research. These positions are ideal for students or recent graduates who are interested in contributing to global policy discussions or supporting the organization’s advocacy efforts.

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Interns at headquarters typically support senior staff and departments in:

• Assisting with research and analysis on refugee-related issues
• Drafting policy briefs, reports, and position papers
• Supporting communication efforts, including social media, public relations, and media outreach
• Organizing events and conferences
• Monitoring global humanitarian trends and providing analytical support to senior leadership

3. Regional and Country Offices

UNHCR also has regional offices and country operations that oversee the agency’s work in specific regions. These offices are located in major cities across the globe and manage operations in countries dealing with refugee situations.

• Location Examples:
• Nairobi, Kenya (Regional Office for East, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes)
• Cairo, Egypt (Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa)
• Panama City, Panama (Regional Office for the Americas)
• New Delhi, India (Regional Office for South Asia)

Interns in regional offices may support:

• Advocacy campaigns and policy development
• Data management and reporting for regional operations
• Logistics and coordination of humanitarian assistance
• Communications and outreach to local partners and stakeholders

4. Specialized Internships in Technical Fields

UNHCR also offers internships for students and graduates with technical expertise in areas such as information technology, finance, engineering, and logistics. These specialized roles are critical for the organization’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in responding to refugee crises.

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• Location Examples:
• Geneva, Switzerland (IT Support)
• Copenhagen, Denmark (Logistics)
• Amman, Jordan (Supply Chain and Procurement)

Interns in these roles may work on:

• Developing and maintaining IT systems used in refugee registration and data management
• Supporting logistics and supply chain management for the delivery of aid
• Assisting with financial reporting, budgeting, and planning for field operations

Eligibility Criteria for UNHCR Internships

While the specific qualifications may vary by position, there are general eligibility requirements that apply to most UNHCR internship opportunities:

• Educational Background: Most internships require candidates to be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program, or to have recently completed a degree (usually within the last two years).
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required for most internships. Knowledge of other languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, or German is a significant advantage, especially for roles based in regions where these languages are spoken.
• Skills and Experience: Depending on the internship, relevant experience in humanitarian aid, international relations, human rights, public policy, communications, or related fields may be required. Additionally, strong research, analytical, communication, and organizational skills are highly valued.
• Commitment and Availability: Most UNHCR internships require a commitment of at least three to six months. Interns are typically expected to work full-time.

How to Apply for UNHCR Internships

The application process for UNHCR internships is done online through the UNHCR Careers website. Here are the basic steps:

1. Browse Internship Listings: Visit the UNHCR Careers page to search for available internship opportunities by location, department, or field of interest.
2. Prepare Your Application: Submit your CV and a cover letter that clearly demonstrates your qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying to UNHCR. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills or experience, especially in the humanitarian field.
3. Interview Process: If your application is shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview, which may be conducted virtually or in person, depending on the location.
4. Selection and Offer: If selected, you will receive an offer for the internship, which will include details about the role, duration, and logistics.

Conclusion

Interning with UNHCR provides an invaluable opportunity to contribute to global humanitarian efforts while gaining hands-on experience in a leading international organization. Whether you are interested in fieldwork, policy research, communications, or technical support, there are numerous opportunities across the world to get involved with UNHCR and help make a difference in the lives of millions of displaced individuals.

If you are passionate about refugees’ rights, international law, or humanitarian work, an internship with UNHCR could be the perfect stepping stone for your career. Apply now to be part of the global movement to protect those who need it most.

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