Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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

IOM is providing administrative visa-related services through the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC), aimed at making the visa application process timelier and more convenient.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office in IOM Armenia, Yerevan and direct supervision of the CVAC Team Leader the selected candidate will provide administrative support for the CVAC operated by IOM, the intern will perform the following: 

  1. Provide client services to applicants at all times, in full compliance with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) contractual obligations and service standards, under the guidance and supervision of the CVAC team.

  2. Assist in providing information to the applicants: distribution of forms and checklists; provision of accurate and timely replies to applicants’ enquiries through phone, email, and in person. Support the management of queue order at the reception desk and submission counters as required.

  3. Assist in collecting visa applications and sorting the documents: supporting the verification of completeness and correctness of application forms and accompanying documentation, under supervision.

  4. Support data entry of visa applications: assist in maintaining accurate records in the application management software; perform basic checks of data accuracy and document tracking under supervision.

  5. Assist in reporting services: support the preparation of daily reports and contribute to quality checks of collected applications and fees, under the guidance of the CVAC Team Leader.

  6. Support sorting and counting of applications and passports; secure return of passports to applicants and delivery to courier.

  7. Compliance with all IOM Policies including: “IOM Standards of Conduct”, “IOM Policy for a Respectful Working Environment”, “IOM Policy and Procedures for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”, “IOM Confidentiality Agreement”, “IOM Data Protection Principles”, “IOM IT Policies and Guidelines”.

  8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned, in line with the intern’s learning objectives and level of responsibility.

Responsibilities

Supervision
  • Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the CVAC Team Leader, the intern will work in close coordination with relevant unit staff. The supervisor will provide regular guidance, assign tasks in line with the intern’s learning objectives, and ensure appropriate oversight and feedback throughout the internship period.
     
Learning Objectives

  • The internship aims to provide the intern with practical experience and exposure to administrative and operational processes within a visa application centre environment. In particular, the intern is expected to:

    • Gain an understanding of IOM’s mandate, structure, and role in migration management.
    • Develop knowledge of visa application processing procedures and client service standards.
    • Strengthen administrative and organizational skills through hands-on support to daily operations.
    • Enhance communication skills through interaction with applicants and internal teams.
    • Build capacity in handling sensitive information in line with confidentiality and data protection principles.
    • Develop time management, attention to detail, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
       
Training Components and Learning Elements

  • During the internship, the intern will benefit from the following learning components:

    • Gain experience in a UN Organization, including client service and visa sphere.

    • Gain experience in collecting visa applications and providing administrative services in compliance with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) contractual obligations and service level agreements.

    • Enhance computer, technical skills and software skills by using different business applications.

    • Develop interpersonal and intercultural skills, time-management and organizational skills.

    • Learn to work independently and collaboratively.

    • Demonstrate ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing responsibilities; 100% integrity. 

    • Acquire detailed knowledge of IOM’s values, mission and objectives and how IOM works with the partners and other stakeholders to promote humane and orderly migration.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or

  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in 4.1(a) or (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

  • University degree in Communications, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies, International Affairs or any related discipline will be considered.

Experience

  • Experience in migrant-related programmes or visa related services is an advantage.

  • Experience in customer service is an advantage.

Skills

  • Excellent computer skills, MS Office applications. 

  • Ability to draft correspondence and communicate effectively in English.

  • Excellent writing, communication and analytical skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills and practical experience in knowing how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently.

  • Ability in working effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.

  • Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and consistently according to set deadlines.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of Russian and/or basic French or Farsi (Persian) is an advantage.
 

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: 2 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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