Intern - Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Communication and Knowledge Management (UG)

Job Description

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.

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;

b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or

c) are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.

d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Background Information

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. 

International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recently assumed joint leadership of the new Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Cluster, an integrated platform that brings together shelter assistance, site coordination, and housing, land and property (HLP) support. This new structure aims to deliver faster, fairer, and more effective humanitarian responses, placing people and their communities at the centre of coordination efforts.

Supervision

Under the overall supervision of the head of Preparedness and Response Department (PRD) and the direct supervision of the Global SLSC Cluster coordinator, the Intern will be responsible for supporting the SLSC Cluster support team to communicate and engage with SLSC national clusters, practitioners and other internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Communications

1. In coordination with the DMC, contribute to the proactive management and regular updating of the Global SLSC Cluster’s digital communication channels—including websites, mailing lists, and social media platforms—aiming to increase reach, engagement, and consistency of messaging.
2. Support the drafting, editing, and production of SLSC Cluster communication materials, including visual, audio, and narrative products tailored to diverse humanitarian audiences. 
3. Contribute to the implementation of the Cluster’s communication initiatives by ensuring regular and coherent engagement with key audiences to strengthen awareness and visibility of SLSC activities. 
4. Design and produce visual communication materials—including templates, infographics, layouts, and other visual assets—using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools, in alignment with IOM and SLSC branding guidelines.
    

Knowledge Management

1. Support the organization, promotion, and communication of Cluster events, ensuring timely preparation and dissemination of event‑related content. 

2. Contribute to the Cluster’s Case Studies initiative by conducting stakeholder interviews, drafting narratives, producing short stories and multimedia materials, and supporting the design and layout of the Case Studies report. 

3. Support the planning, organization, and implementation of the potential SLSC Cluster Annual Meeting in the second half of 2026. 

4. Assist with the launch of the new Global SLSC Cluster website by reviewing, selecting, organizing, and uploading relevant materials, ensuring content is well‑structured, accessible, and aligned with Cluster priorities. 

5. Support the structuring, tagging, and maintenance of SLSC knowledge repositories (e.g., SharePoint, website libraries) to ensure materials are well organized, up to date, and easy to navigate. 

6. Liaise with national SLSC Cluster teams on tools, workstreams, and initiatives that contribute to improved knowledge management and information exchange. 

7. Support the management and facilitation of SLSC Cluster Communities of Practice and active working groups, including coordination, documentation, and content support. 

8. In coordination with the Cluster Capacity Building focal points, support the organization, maintenance, and dissemination of capacity‑building resources (e.g., online courses, training packages) across multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility for all practitioners. 

9. Perform any other tasks as assigned to support the objectives and activities of the Global SLSC Cluster.

Learning Objectives

1. Real Humanitarian Coordination and Communication Experience

• Gain first‑hand exposure to how global clusters operate in crisis settings and how coordinated communication contributes to humanitarian response.
• Develop an understanding of the integrated SLSC Cluster model, its communication priorities, and how strategic messaging and knowledge management practices shape decision‑making and field operations.

2. Practical Communications and Content Development Skills

• Strengthen abilities in drafting, editing, and producing a range of communication products, including visual, audio, and narrative materials tailored to humanitarian audiences.
• Build confidence in crafting clear, compelling messages and communicating technical and operational concepts to diverse stakeholders.

3. Graphic Design and Visual Storytelling Competencies

• Acquire hands‑on experience using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or similar tools to develop templates, infographics, layouts and visual assets aligned with IOM and SLSC branding standards.
• Enhance the ability to translate complex information into accessible, engaging visual content.

4. Knowledge Management Systems and Information Organization

• Develop practical skills in structuring, tagging, and maintaining digital knowledge repositories (e.g., SharePoint sites, website libraries).
• Learn to curate, organize, and update materials so they remain accessible, user‑friendly, and aligned with Cluster knowledge‑sharing objectives.

5. Event Communication and Coordination

• Gain experience supporting communication and promotional activities for global‑level events, including webinars, workshops, and the SLSC Annual Meeting.
• Strengthen coordination skills related to event visibility, participant engagement, and dissemination of event‑related content.

6. Case Study Development and Qualitative Documentation

• Develop competencies in conducting stakeholder interviews, capturing field experiences, drafting narrative case studies, and producing multimedia documentation.
• Build skills in qualitative research, storytelling, and synthesis of lessons learned and best practices.

7. Engagement with Communities of Practice and Partners

• Acquire experience supporting the management of Communities of Practice (CoPs) and active working groups, including coordination, documentation, and content management.
• Strengthen facilitation and communication skills in engagement with national SLSC Cluster partners and inter‑agency stakeholders.

8. Capacity‑Building Resource Management

• Build knowledge of how capacity‑building resources—including training packages, online courses, and learning tools—are organized, maintained, and disseminated across humanitarian platforms.
• Understand how learning systems support practitioners in the SLSC Cluster and contribute to global capacity development.

9. Exposure to Digital Platforms and Modern Collaboration Tools

• Gain familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, collaborative content platforms) that are central to communication and knowledge management workflows.
• Learn practical approaches to digital content organization, workflow coordination, and lifecycle management of communication and knowledge materials.

10. Professional Growth and Mentorship

• Collaborate closely with the Global SLSC Cluster team, communication specialists, and inter‑agency partners in a multicultural, fast‑paced environment.
• Strengthen professional competencies related to teamwork, communication, project coordination, and adaptive working methods in humanitarian settings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree or currently enrolled in a graduate programme in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, Humanitarian Studies, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Basic knowledge of humanitarian principles, minimum standards, and humanitarian coordination structure.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Essentials; 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive), with exposure to knowledge‑management–related tools such as Microsoft Lists, OneNote/Wikis, Power Automate (for simple content workflows), and Microsoft Search, to support structured repositories, discoverability, and information‑sharing;

• Proficiency in Mailchimp platform;

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or similar; and,

• Skills in applying digital technology (e.g. content management systems, collaborative platform digital repositories, and basic data or metadata practices) to support knowledge management, learning, and information-sharing processes.

Languages

All staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, and Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Arabic and French, as well as another official UN languages (Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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 – N/A

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.
 

Eligibility and Selection

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

a) have an interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities; 
b) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
• Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
• Please consider the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.

 Notes

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,

verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

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 his/her 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 assignment. 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.

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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.

Required Skills

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