UNHCR Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to a Career in Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Support . APPLY NOW

December 5, 2024Last Updated: December 5, 2024

5 minutes read

UNHCR Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to a Career in Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Support . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNHCR
Application Deadline : 1 Dec 2024

Introduction

Are you passionate about making a real impact on the lives of vulnerable populations worldwide? Do you dream of gaining hands-on experience in the field of international humanitarian work? If so, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) offers a wide range of internship opportunities across various locations globally. These internships not only provide invaluable professional experience but also immerse you in a dynamic and supportive environment dedicated to supporting refugees and displaced persons around the world.

The UNHCR’s Internship Programme is designed to offer young professionals an opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to the organization’s work while contributing to its mission of providing protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals. This article will provide you with detailed insights into various internship positions available through UNHCR and how they can shape your future career in international development, humanitarian aid, and human rights.

What is UNHCR and Why Intern with Them?

The UNHCR is the UN agency tasked with protecting and supporting refugees worldwide. Founded in 1950, the organization works in over 130 countries, providing life-saving assistance, legal protection, and advocating for the rights of displaced people. The organization’s goal is to ensure that everyone can live a life of dignity and safety, free from fear and want.

Interning at UNHCR offers the unique chance to gain experience in some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian contexts. As an intern, you would contribute to projects focused on refugee protection, policy advocacy, emergency response, and more. Moreover, UNHCR provides opportunities for personal development through training, mentorship, and working alongside experts in the field.

UNHCR Internship Programme: An Overview

UNHCR’s internship programme is open to students and recent graduates who are interested in building a career in humanitarian aid, development, and international law. The internships are available year-round and are offered in various locations around the world. Interns can work in UNHCR offices, field operations, and at regional and headquarters levels, depending on their areas of interest and expertise.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

You must be enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate degree programme, or have graduated within the last 12 months.
Proficiency in at least one of UNHCR’s official languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is typically required.
A background in international relations, law, human rights, social sciences, or a related field is often preferred, though candidates from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Types of Internships Available at UNHCR

UNHCR offers a wide range of internship opportunities in different functional areas and regions. Here are some key categories of internships you might find:

1. Protection Internship

Protection is a central pillar of UNHCR’s work. As an intern in a protection role, you may be involved in drafting legal reports, assisting in refugee status determination processes, conducting interviews with asylum seekers, or supporting advocacy efforts related to refugee rights. Protection interns often work closely with legal advisors and field teams to ensure the safety and well-being of refugees.

Locations: Geneva, Switzerland; Nairobi, Kenya; Amman, Jordan; Bogota, Colombia.

2. Field Operations Internship

Interns in field operations are directly involved in the delivery of humanitarian aid and services to displaced persons. This includes coordinating shelter distribution, providing psychosocial support, managing logistics, and helping in emergency relief efforts. Field operations internships are typically located in crisis regions and offer hands-on experience in humanitarian response.

Locations: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Damascus, Syria; Khartoum, Sudan; Kabul, Afghanistan.

3. Policy and Advocacy Internship

Interns in policy and advocacy work alongside senior officials to monitor refugee rights, develop legal frameworks, and advocate for the adoption of refugee-friendly policies at international, national, and local levels. This is an ideal internship for those interested in public policy, international law, or human rights.

Locations: New York, USA; Brussels, Belgium; Geneva, Switzerland.

4. Communications and Media Internship

UNHCR’s communications and media interns are involved in the creation of advocacy materials, public relations campaigns, and digital content to raise awareness about refugee issues. These roles are perfect for students or recent graduates with a background in media, journalism, communications, or graphic design.

Locations: Geneva, Switzerland; Nairobi, Kenya; Brussels, Belgium; Washington D.C., USA.

5. Information Technology and Data Management Internship

Interns in the IT and data management department support UNHCR’s operations by ensuring the availability of reliable data systems and technology tools. Interns might assist with the management of databases, support the development of software applications, or improve communication infrastructure to support field operations.

Locations: Geneva, Switzerland; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Cairo, Egypt.

6. Logistics and Supply Chain Internship

Logistics and supply chain interns are responsible for assisting with the transportation and distribution of supplies to refugees in need. This may include coordinating the movement of goods, managing inventories, or analyzing logistics data to improve the efficiency of aid distribution.

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Locations: Amman, Jordan; Nairobi, Kenya; Geneva, Switzerland.

7. Finance and Administration Internship

Interns in finance and administration support UNHCR’s operational efficiency by assisting with budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. This role is ideal for individuals pursuing a career in financial management or international business administration.

Locations: Geneva, Switzerland; Budapest, Hungary; New York, USA.

Key Benefits of Interning with UNHCR

Hands-On Experience: Interns gain practical experience by working in real-world situations, directly contributing to UNHCR’s mission.
Networking Opportunities: Interns interact with professionals from various backgrounds, gaining access to a network of experts in the humanitarian and international relations fields.
Career Development: Interning with UNHCR opens doors to future career opportunities in the UN system, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other international bodies.
Global Exposure: Depending on your placement, you may work in diverse cultural contexts, gaining insight into international humanitarian work and the challenges faced by refugees around the world.

How to Apply for a UNHCR Internship

The application process for UNHCR internships is done through their official website. Interested candidates should visit the UNHCR careers page to check available internship positions and locations.

Application Tips:

Prepare a compelling cover letter that highlights your motivation to work with refugees and your relevant skills.
Tailor your CV to the specific internship you are applying for by emphasizing relevant coursework, prior volunteer work, and skills that align with the job description.
Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date as positions can close quickly.

Conclusion

UNHCR internships provide a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to start a career in humanitarian aid, human rights, and refugee support. Whether you are interested in legal protection, field operations, communication, or logistics, there is an internship for every skill set. By interning with UNHCR, you will be at the forefront of efforts to provide life-saving assistance to millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide, while developing the skills and experience necessary to advance in the humanitarian field.

If you’re driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable and contribute to a global cause, an internship with UNHCR could be the ideal starting point for your career. Explore the available opportunities today and take your first step toward creating a better world for refugees and displaced communities.