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
The Gender and Diversity Coordination Unit (GDC) aims to ensure that IOM’s cross-cutting priorities are addressed in IOM policies and programmes through the provision of strategic support, technical guidance and capacity building of IOM workforce.  Recognizing that persons with disabilities, and women and girls, are disproportionately affected in humanitarian emergencies and migration contexts, facing multiple protection risks as well as barriers in accessing basic services, IOM aims at developing a more systematic approach to cross-cutting issues, focusing on establishing and/or consolidating long-term and meaningful partnerships with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and Women’s Led Organizations to ensure a participatory, efficient and sustainable approach.

SUPERVISION
Under the direct supervision of the Gender Specialist, with joint supervision by the Disability Inclusion Officer, in HQ. The Intern – Gender and Disability will support mainstreaming of disability and gender-responsive practices into IOM operations and institutional process. 
 

Responsibilities

Programme support and research
1.    Support with the review and finalization of good programming practices, and their dissemination, including through arranging global webinars.
2.    Support the Unit to roll-out training and institutional and operational tools, as requested.
3.    Support the coordination of responses to ad-hoc requests from HQ, regional and country offices.
4.    Update gender and disability-related research in migration, humanitarian and peace contexts, as requested.
Communication and knowledge management
5.    Maintain and update the Unit’s knowledge hub, SharePoint and webpages, ensuring that contents are current and relevant in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
6.    Support the reinvigoration of the Gender Focal Points network, including administering nominations and contact list, coordinating and documenting quarterly global meetings, and other ad-hoc engagements as requested.
7.    Support with ongoing initiatives on disability such as the newsletter, the IOM Disability Inclusion Network.
8.    Support with coordination of engagement in international days, and other strategic events related to the work of the Unit.

Reporting
9.    Support with coordination and reporting on IOM’s organizational and UN system-wide policies and strategies on gender equality and disability inclusion.
10.    Support with coordination and review of internal institutional reporting processes (institutional questionnaires). 
11.    Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Learning Objectives

  • Strengthen coordination and stakeholder engagement skills by helping respond to requests from headquarters, regional and country offices, and supporting networks, meetings, webinars, and strategic events. 

  • Improve communication and knowledge management skills by maintaining the Unit’s knowledge hub and contributing to newsletters, meeting documentation, and other materials. 

  • Enhance reporting and analytical skills by supporting institutional reporting processes and contributing to reporting on organizational and UN system-wide frameworks. 

  • Develop organizational, adaptability, and professional collaboration skills by managing multiple tasks in a multicultural international environment and engaging with different stakeholders.

Training Components and Learning Elements
  • The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
  • Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
  • 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.
  • The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of IOM personnel.
  • The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.
  • ​Enhance professional communication skills by drafting meeting minutes, reports, and other documentation.  
  • ​Build interpersonal skills through liaison with internal stakeholders.
  • ​Strengthen adaptability, problem-solving, and time-management skills, by supporting multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.  

Qualifications

Education

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Disability Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences or any other relevant area from an accredited institution; or,
  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or graduated within the last 12 months with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Disability Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences or any other relevant area from an accredited institution.

Experience

  • Experience in gender equality, diversity and inclusion programming or related topics including protection and broader human rights;
  • Experience with coordination and convening discussions; and,
  • Experience coordinating global campaigns is desirable.

Skills

  • Demonstratedresearch and reporting skills;
  • Knowledge management abilities;
  • Communication and coordination skills;
  • High adaptability in a multicultural, fast-paced environment;
  • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; and,
  • Innovation and critical thinking.

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 all applicants, 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 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: HQ
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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