Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organisation 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

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 an 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

This opportunity is exclusively open to internationals, and the Intern position will be performed remotely.

IOM conducts protection monitoring and protection analysis in target locations in camps and informal sites, as well as in areas of return, using a mixed methods approach. In addition, IOM conducts a range of protection research and analysis, such as rapid protection assessments, when critical incidents occur in areas of operation and/or to understand the protection landscape.

Responsibilities

Supervision

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator of the Mobility Pathways and Inclusion Division (MPI), the successful candidate will support MPI in the research, analysis, and advocacy of programmatic interventions in Iraq. The intern will identify research needs on human rights issues in Iraq, gather and summarise relevant reference documents, and contribute to the preparation of reports on human rights frameworks and protection concerns. They will conduct background research, perform quantitative analysis, monitor media, and translate documents from Arabic to English as needed. Additionally, the intern will help prepare meetings with agendas and summaries, respond to information requests, and participate in relevant forums. The intern will also be involved in supporting the drafting of donor reports.

  • Support the production of protection monitoring outputs, including conducting desk review and qualitative and quantitative analysis, and providing proofreading, copyediting, and referencing support. 

  • Contribute to protection research and analysis on thematic areas such as environmental migration, gender-based violence, disability and inclusion, protracted displacement, and return and reintegration, including literature review and data analysis.

  • Identify reference documents on human rights and protection issues relevant to MPI programming and provide summaries and relevant references in media, reports and briefs.

  • Draft advocacy materials related to human rights and protection issues in Iraq.

  • Identify research needs on human rights issues and protection issues in Iraq.

  • Prepare meetings with agendas and summaries, background documents and summaries of the proceedings. 

  • Draft donor reports and any other donor-related documents.

  • Respond to information requests and participate in relevant forums.

  • Undertake other tasks related to protection monitoring, research, and advocacy, as required.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the candidate is expected to:

  • Develop a practical understanding of protection frameworks applied in operational contexts, including how human rights, migration governance, and protection principles translate into programming. 

  • Strengthen the ability to conduct applied research using mixed methods, including designing research questions, carrying out structured desk reviews, and contributing to qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Build advanced drafting skills for different audiences, including protection monitoring reports, advocacy materials, and donor-facing documents.
  • Gain experience in translating data and research findings into actionable insights to inform programming, advocacy, and policy discussions. 
  • Develop familiarity with donor reporting processes, including structuring inputs, aligning with donor requirements, and contributing to evidence-based reporting. 
  • Enhance coordination and communication skills in a remote, multi-stakeholder environment.
Training Components and Learning Elements
  • On-the-job mentoring and supervision: Regular guidance from the Protection Coordinator and team members, including feedback on written outputs, analytical work, and research tasks. 
  • Exposure to protection monitoring and research processes: Participation in analytical work, including data cleaning, analysis, triangulation of findings, and report production. 
  • Thematic learning: Engagement with key topics such as gender-based violence, disability inclusion, environmental migration, and return and reintegration, through assigned readings and applied tasks. 
  • Practical training in tools and methods: Hands-on use of analytical tools (e.g., Excel and other software), as well as exposure to qualitative research techniques and data interpretation. 
  • Participation in coordination and advocacy processes: Involvement in internal meetings and preparation of advocacy materials to understand how evidence feeds into decision-making and stakeholder engagement. 
  • Exposure to donor engagement and reporting cycles: Contribution to drafting and reviewing donor reports, with guidance on compliance, structure, and strategic messaging. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Be enrolled in a Master’s Degree Programme in law or social sciences, or have graduated with a Master’s Degree, and if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience

  • Experience applying migration, international law, and human rights frameworks in research and policy analysis
  • Experience in drafting clear, concise, and well-organized reports, policy papers, and other written materials, utilizing strong analytical and writing abilities.

  • Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis and research. 

Skills

  • Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, including using Excel, SPSS, STATA, or R. 
  • Strong drafting skills, including the ability to synthesize findings and develop clear policy recommendations. 
  • Proven ability to work effectively in remote settings and maintain strong collaboration across virtual teams. 
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality outputs within established timeframes, with excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize under tight deadlines.

Languages

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

  • Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

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)
Org Type: Country 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
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