UNHCR Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to Meaningful Careers in Refugee Assistance . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNHCR
Application Deadline : 17 Dec 2024

Introduction

Internships play a crucial role in the development of professionals in any field, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers some of the most rewarding internship opportunities globally. With a mission to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals, UNHCR internships provide aspiring professionals with hands-on experience and the chance to contribute meaningfully to global humanitarian efforts.

This blog post will explore multiple internship opportunities at UNHCR across various locations, offering insights into the diverse roles, requirements, and benefits of joining this renowned organization.

1. Why Intern with UNHCR?

The UNHCR is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, providing critical support to people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Interning with UNHCR gives individuals the chance to work directly on high-impact projects that address urgent global issues, while gaining invaluable exposure to international diplomacy, humanitarian law, and development programs.

Key benefits of interning at UNHCR include:

• International Exposure: Interns often work in diverse teams, experiencing different cultures and perspectives in the field or at the headquarters.
• Career Development: Interns gain essential skills in project management, policy development, and research, making them competitive in the humanitarian and international development job markets.
• Networking Opportunities: Interns are in direct contact with professionals from across the globe, allowing them to build lasting relationships that can benefit their future careers.
• Meaningful Impact: Interns have the opportunity to contribute directly to the protection and assistance of displaced populations around the world.

2. UNHCR Internship Locations and Roles

UNHCR offers internships in various locations globally, from field offices in refugee camps to headquarters in Geneva and regional hubs. These internships cover a wide range of disciplines, including protection, legal affairs, public information, communications, human resources, and supply chain management. Below are examples of internship positions available in several key regions.

Geneva, Switzerland (Headquarters)

Geneva, being the headquarters of UNHCR, is one of the most sought-after locations for internships. Interns here have the opportunity to work in a central position, gaining insights into the organization’s global policies and operations.

Internship Positions Available:

• Policy and Strategy Intern: Supporting the drafting of policies related to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, interns engage in research, data analysis, and drafting policy briefs. A background in international relations or law is highly desirable.
• Public Information and Communications Intern: Interns assist in drafting press releases, social media content, and internal communications that highlight UNHCR’s work. This role requires strong writing skills and an understanding of media relations.
• Legal Affairs Intern: A legal intern will work closely with UNHCR’s legal team to provide research on international refugee law, asylum procedures, and human rights. This position is ideal for law students interested in humanitarian law.

Nairobi, Kenya (Regional Office for East Africa)

Kenya hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, and UNHCR’s Regional Office in Nairobi plays a critical role in coordinating refugee assistance programs across the continent. Interns in Nairobi gain hands-on experience working in one of the most complex refugee environments in the world.

Internship Positions Available:

• Field Protection Intern: Supporting the protection team in developing and implementing programs for refugees, this internship involves field visits to refugee camps, case management, and reporting on protection challenges.
• Humanitarian Coordination Intern: Working closely with UNHCR’s partners and local governments, interns assist in coordinating responses to refugee emergencies, preparing reports, and analyzing data.
• Data and Monitoring Intern: In Nairobi, data is a crucial part of decision-making for refugee assistance. Interns in this role help analyze data on refugee populations, housing, health services, and education.

Bangkok, Thailand (Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific)

The UNHCR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific is responsible for overseeing refugee operations across a region home to millions of displaced people. Interns working in Bangkok will support both regional and country-specific programs, particularly focusing on urban refugee situations, legal advocacy, and partnerships with local governments.

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Internship Positions Available:

• Urban Refugee Assistance Intern: With a growing number of refugees in urban settings, this role involves research on challenges faced by refugees in cities, as well as coordinating assistance programs.
• Public Policy Intern: Interns with an interest in public policy will support advocacy and policy engagement in host countries, working on initiatives related to refugee rights and asylum procedures.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Intern: With a focus on ensuring the efficient delivery of aid, interns assist in managing the supply chain for relief materials in the Asia-Pacific region, including inventory tracking and shipping coordination.

Cairo, Egypt (Middle East and North Africa)

Egypt is a significant host country for refugees, especially from countries like Syria, Sudan, and Eritrea. The UNHCR office in Cairo works to ensure refugees receive proper protection, food, shelter, and legal assistance. Interns here have the chance to work directly on advocacy campaigns and refugee support programs.

Internship Positions Available:

• Legal Protection Intern: Interns in this role support the legal team in providing legal aid to refugees, researching case law, and drafting reports on the legal status of asylum seekers.
• Community Outreach Intern: Working with local refugee communities, interns help facilitate communication and coordination between UNHCR and refugees, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups are met.
• Data Analytics Intern: Interns assist in gathering, analyzing, and reporting data on refugee populations, helping to ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

Amman, Jordan (Field Office)

Jordan is home to over 650,000 refugees, primarily from Syria, and UNHCR’s field office in Amman is crucial in coordinating emergency relief and long-term recovery programs. Interns here gain invaluable experience in both field and office-based roles.

Internship Positions Available:

• Field Program Support Intern: Assisting in managing field operations, interns support the delivery of essential services like healthcare, education, and housing, while also providing administrative assistance to field staff.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Intern: Interns in this role focus on monitoring the effectiveness of refugee programs, conducting field visits, and compiling reports to ensure program accountability.
• External Relations Intern: Working on advocacy, media relations, and partnerships with NGOs, interns help UNHCR strengthen its relationships with external stakeholders.

3. Requirements for UNHCR Internships

UNHCR internships are open to students and recent graduates from various academic backgrounds. However, certain qualifications and skills are generally required for most internship positions:

• Academic Background: A strong academic record in fields such as international relations, political science, law, social sciences, public health, or logistics.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required for most positions, with additional proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic being advantageous depending on the location.
• Experience: While not always mandatory, prior volunteer or internship experience in humanitarian, development, or human rights organizations is highly valued.
• Technical Skills: Depending on the position, technical skills in data analysis, project management software, or graphic design may be required.

4. How to Apply for UNHCR Internships

To apply for an internship with UNHCR, candidates must visit the UNHCR careers website. There, applicants can find detailed descriptions of available internship opportunities, including specific requirements for each role. The application process usually involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and sometimes a writing sample. UNHCR also prefers candidates who are flexible and have a genuine interest in refugee issues.

5. Conclusion

Interning with UNHCR provides a unique and meaningful opportunity for individuals passionate about humanitarian work. Whether at their headquarters in Geneva, field offices in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or other locations, interns contribute to vital programs that assist millions of displaced people worldwide. By joining UNHCR, you can gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

If you’re considering a career in humanitarian aid or international development, applying for an internship with UNHCR could be the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful career.

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