Intern – Partnerships & Project Development - Programme Support Unit (PSU)

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 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:

1. have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
2. are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
3. are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
4. 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. 
5. are between 20 and 36 years of age

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle of humane and orderly migration for the benefit of migrants and society. As the leading international organization in migration, IOM works with governments and partners to address migration challenges, promote international cooperation, and uphold the well-being of migrants.

IOM Botswana functions across different thematic areas including:

• Migration Governance and Policy Development – Supporting the Government of Botswana in implementing the National Migration Policy.

• Counter-Trafficking and Protection – Supporting government with strengthening identification, referral and protection mechanisms through rights-based, victim-centred approaches and partnerships.

• Migration and Health – Integrating health services into migration management, enhancing port health systems, and promoting cross-border health cooperation.

• Labour Mobility and Ethical Recruitment – Facilitating skills mobility, diaspora engagement, and responsible recruitment practices aligned with international standards.

• Climate Change and Human Mobility – Mainstreaming mobility considerations into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

• Border Management and Security – Strengthening inter-agency coordination, technology use, and rights-based border operations.

• Migration Data and Research – Improving migration data systems and evidence-based policymaking.

Current active project is on Climate Change and Human Mobility, which the intern will support its implementation, management, and reporting. 

The Intern – Partnerships & Project Development (PSU) will support the Project Support Unit (PSU) in strengthening IOM Botswana’s efforts to expand its portfolio in these priority thematic areas by contributing to project research, partnerships, design, development, liaison with stakeholders, and resource mobilization activities. This position provides an exciting opportunity to engage in impactful projects that align with national and international priorities, with particular attention to private sector partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

SUPERVISION

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Project Support Associate, within the Project Support Unit.

Responsibilities

1. Assist in project development by conducting research, drafting concept notes, and preparing project proposals align with donor and organizational requirements.

2. Support stakeholder mapping and engagement by identifying potential partners, private sector partnerships, and maintaining updated contact databases.
3. Contribute to resource mobilization activities by preparing briefing notes, presentations, and donor reports.
4. Assist in monitoring and evaluation processes for ongoing projects, including collecting and analysing data and preparing progress reports.
5. Provide administrative support for project development meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points.
6. Support training and capacity-building initiatives by assisting in the preparation of materials, coordinating logistics, and documenting outcomes.
7. Assist in drafting advocacy and communication materials to raise awareness of IOM's projects and impact in Botswana.
8. Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives by maintaining an organized repository of project documents, templates, and best practices.

9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Build knowledge of project development and resource mobilization by supporting research, drafting concept notes and proposals, and contributing to donor reports in line with organizational requirements. 

• Strengthen partnership and stakeholder engagement skills by supporting stakeholder mapping. 

• Enhance coordination and organizational skills by supporting project development meetings, following up on action points, and assisting with training and capacity-building activities. 

• Develop communication and knowledge management skills by drafting advocacy and communication materials, organizing project documents, and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the team.

TRAINING COMPONENTS AND LEARNING ELEMENTS

1. The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
2. Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
3. Gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration, and work on formulating and editing institutional strategies, priorities and workplans.
4. The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM personnel.
5. The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.

Qualifications

Education

• Recent graduate or current student in International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Business Analytics, Economics, Data, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Experience

• Demonstrated interest or experience in research, policy analysis, or project implementation related to climate change, migration, or disaster risk reduction;
• Experience in event coordination or stakeholder engagement is a plus.
      

Skills

• Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis, and statistical tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel) is an advantage;
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data visualization tools;
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
   

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
 

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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. 
 

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.
   

Eligibility and Selection
 

This internship opportunity is part of IOM’s 2026 Global Access Internship Programme, which is a sub-set of IOM’s regular internship programme.  The main condition to be eligible for this opportunity is that applicants be citizens of Member States not represented or with lower representation in IOM, as of June 2026. Additionally, IOM strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities from those nationalities as well as other minorities. If you would like to explore all vacancies that are part of the programme and more details, please go to: Internship programme | International Organization for Migration

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

• Candidates are also encouraged to research and study the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.

• For this programme, IOM will also provide travel arrangements and will cover visa-related costs. 

• Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and alignment with core competencies. The evaluation process may include written assessment, and/or interview. 

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 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.

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 WAVE  system (for internalcandidateslink 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

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.

Required Skills

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