Job Description
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Background Information
Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Human Resources Officer, the Human Resources Intern will gain hands‑on exposure to HR operations within IOM South Africa the Sub‑Regional Office. The internship is designed to build practical skills in recruitment, onboarding, personnel administration, and staff support while fostering an understanding of HR processes in an international organization.
Responsibilities
Learning Objectives
During the internship, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn and develop competencies in the following areas:
Recruitment and Onboarding
- Learn how to prepare and publish vacancy notices in line with IOM standards.
- Develop skills in reviewing applications and supporting candidate shortlisting.
- Gain experience in coordinating interviews, preparing interview materials, and supporting panel logistics.
- Understand the steps involved in reference checks and pre‑employment documentation.
- Learn how to support onboarding processes, including preparing induction materials and assisting with orientation sessions.
HR Administration and Data Management
- Learn how to maintain personnel files and ensure documentation accuracy.
- Gain exposure to drafting HR selection letter, contracts, and administrative documents.
- Develop skills in updating HR databases, tracking tools, and staff lists.
- Understand how to monitor attendance, leave records, and other HR‑related data.
General HR Operations
- Learn how to provide administrative and logistical support to the Sub-Regional HR Officer and HR team.
- Gain experience in preparing reports, presentations, and HR documentation.
- Understand the broader HR workflow within an international humanitarian organization.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- University degree or final‑year student in Human Resources Management, Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Experience
- Not required
Skills
- Strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team.
Languages
For this internship, Fluency in English (oral and written)
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by their university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.
IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the internship. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Internship (2-6 months)Initial Contract Duration: 6 months
Org Type: Regional Office
Vacancy Type: Internship
Recruiting Type: Intern
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No