UNHCR Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to Making a Difference for Refugees Worldwide . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNHCR
Application Deadline : 28 Nov 2024

Introduction

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plays a critical role in providing protection, assistance, and solutions to millions of displaced people around the world. As part of its mission to assist refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless individuals, and other vulnerable populations, UNHCR offers various internship opportunities for aspiring professionals eager to contribute to its life-changing work.

Internships at UNHCR provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the humanitarian field, working in various roles across different geographical locations. Whether you are pursuing a career in international relations, human rights, public policy, logistics, or communications, an internship with UNHCR can be a stepping stone toward a fulfilling career in the humanitarian sector.

In this article, we explore the multiple internship opportunities available at UNHCR from various global locations, highlighting the key responsibilities, benefits, and skills you can gain by becoming part of the UNHCR team.

What is UNHCR and Why Should You Consider an Internship with Them?

UNHCR, established in 1950, is an international organization dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons worldwide. With a mission to ensure that no one is left behind, UNHCR works tirelessly to provide emergency relief, long-term solutions, and advocacy for displaced people. The agency has a presence in over 130 countries, where it operates across various sectors, including legal protection, education, health, and livelihoods.

Interning with UNHCR offers several advantages:

• Global Exposure: Interns are placed in various field offices or headquarters worldwide, gaining exposure to international humanitarian operations.
• Hands-On Experience: Interns contribute to real-world projects and challenges, working alongside professionals with diverse expertise.
• Skill Development: Internships provide an opportunity to develop key skills in research, project management, communication, advocacy, and crisis response.
• Networking: Interns have the chance to connect with experts in the humanitarian field, build valuable professional relationships, and enhance their career prospects.

Types of Internship Opportunities at UNHCR

UNHCR offers internships across a wide range of fields, allowing students and recent graduates to engage in projects that align with their academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Some common areas of focus include:

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1. Protection and Legal Affairs
   Interns in this area assist with legal documentation and refugee protection efforts, conduct research on international refugee law, and support policy development. This is ideal for law students or those interested in human rights and international law.
2. Field Operations
   Field-based internships provide hands-on experience in managing refugee camps, overseeing humanitarian aid distribution, and supporting logistical operations. These internships are often based in refugee-hosting regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
3. Public Information and Communications
   Interns working in public information support UNHCR’s communication efforts to raise awareness about refugee issues. Tasks may include drafting press releases, maintaining social media channels, producing content for reports, and organizing events.
4. Donor Relations and Fundraising
   Interns in this department work to support UNHCR’s fundraising efforts, including research on potential donors, assisting with the creation of fundraising campaigns, and writing grant proposals. This role is a great fit for individuals interested in fundraising, international development, or non-profit management.
5. Supply and Logistics
   Interns working in supply and logistics will help manage the delivery of emergency aid, inventory tracking, and logistics coordination. This is perfect for students with backgrounds in supply chain management, engineering, or logistics.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
   Interns in this area help monitor UNHCR programs to assess their impact, gather data, and contribute to reports on refugee needs and the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.
7. Human Resources
   UNHCR’s HR interns assist with recruitment processes, employee relations, and internal capacity-building efforts, supporting the agency in its global staffing needs.

Internship Locations

UNHCR internships are available at various field offices, regional offices, and at their global headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The specific location of the internship depends on the department and the current needs of UNHCR’s operations. Some of the key locations include:

1. Geneva, Switzerland – The global headquarters, where interns can work in policy, protection, legal, communications, and fundraising roles.
2. Nairobi, Kenya – A regional hub for UNHCR’s operations in East Africa, offering internships in field operations, logistics, and protection.
3. Amman, Jordan – A critical location for the Syria response, providing internships focused on field operations and emergency response.
4. Bangkok, Thailand – A regional office for South-East Asia, with opportunities in legal protection, public information, and monitoring.
5. Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – A field office where interns can work directly with refugee communities, helping with relief operations for the Rohingya refugees.
6. Kigali, Rwanda – A regional office covering operations in Central and East Africa, offering internships in logistics and protection.
7. New York, USA – UNHCR’s liaison office at the United Nations, ideal for interns interested in policy and advocacy work in multilateral diplomacy.

Who Can Apply for UNHCR Internships?

UNHCR internships are typically open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates. To be eligible for an internship, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: Candidates should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, political science, social sciences, communications, or public administration. Recent graduates with a strong academic background are also encouraged to apply.
• Language Proficiency: English is the main working language at UNHCR. Additional language skills in French, Arabic, Spanish, or other UN languages can be an advantage, especially for field-based internships.
• Passion for Humanitarian Work: UNHCR seeks interns who are passionate about refugee issues and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of displaced individuals.

How to Apply for an Internship with UNHCR

The application process for UNHCR internships is conducted online through the UNHCR careers website. Applicants must submit:

• An updated CV
• A cover letter detailing their motivation and how their skills match the internship role
• Academic transcripts or proof of enrollment in a relevant degree program
• A writing sample (depending on the position)

Once the application is submitted, candidates may be invited to participate in a selection process, which may include interviews and skills assessments. It’s important to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each internship posting, as they can vary by location and department.

Benefits of UNHCR Internships

1. Professional Development: Interns gain valuable experience working with global experts, learn about refugee protection, and develop skills that will be invaluable in their careers.
2. Compensation: UNHCR internships are generally unpaid, but they offer a stipend to help with living expenses, particularly in field locations.
3. Travel and Exposure: Interns may have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, depending on the location of their placement, and contribute directly to humanitarian efforts.
4. Cultural Experience: Working in diverse, multicultural teams exposes interns to different perspectives and enhances their intercultural communication skills.

Conclusion

Internships at UNHCR provide a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about humanitarian work to make a real difference. By gaining experience in a variety of roles—whether in legal protection, field operations, communications, or logistics—interns contribute to the agency’s mission of safeguarding the rights of displaced populations.

For students and recent graduates looking to start a career in the humanitarian field, an internship with UNHCR is a powerful way to gain relevant experience, build valuable networks, and make a meaningful impact on global refugee issues. If you have a strong desire to contribute to the well-being of refugees and are ready to take on a challenging, dynamic role in a global organization, an internship with UNHCR may be the perfect next step in your career.

Apply today and take the first step towards a career dedicated to changing lives and protecting the most vulnerable populations around the world.

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