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 Climate Action Regional Thematic Unit (CAD RTU) operates under the Deputy Regional Director for Operations to provide thematic expertise and guidance on the implementation of the IOM Strategic Plan. The CAD RTU acts as an extension of the Climate Action Division in IOM Headquarters (HQ) in the Regional Office (RO), supporting Country Office (CO) operations, programmes, and initiatives, as well as advocating IOM’s strategic position related to Climate Action. This support includes oversight, quality assurance, and technical backstopping, as needed. Furthermore, the CAD RTU and other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) collaborate to provide evidence-based thought leadership to both internal and external stakeholders as part of regional and national efforts to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacement, and facilitate regular pathways for migration. Broadly, the CAD RTU works to identify opportunities and risks at the regional and national level, in collaboration with IOM HQ and COs. The CAD RTU also acts as a hub for knowledge and innovation, and promotes policy, data, and research to further IOM’s strategic plan.

Responsibilities

  • ​​Support the CAD RTU by researching regional climate risks, policy developments, and emerging thematic issues to inform guidance notes, training materials, and internal analyses.
  • ​Contribute to the preparation of training materials, presentations, and knowledge products; assist in organizing webinars, workshops, and regional learning events.
  • ​Assist the CAD RTU in preparing background materials, compiling regional inputs, and coordinating information from COs to support IOM’s engagement in the Convention on Biological Diversity 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31).
  • ​Support tracking project progress, compiling updates, and ensuring activities align with CAD’s goals.
  • ​Prepare talking points, briefs, background notes, and presentation inputs for meetings, conferences, and partner engagements related to climate action.
  • Assist in managing incoming requests, coordinating with Country Offices and partners, and supporting the smooth functioning of the Climate Action Unit, including during staff absences.
  • ​Support other tasks as necessary. 
Training Components and Learning Elements
  • The Intern will gain experience working in an international and multicultural environment within the United Nations system, with exposure to regional climate action programming.
  • Gain familiarity with key issues and IOM’s work in the region related to climate action and human mobility, including climate adaptation, resilience-building, disaster risk reduction, and human mobility in the context of environmental change.
  • Gain understanding and hands-on experience in supporting the implementation and coordination of climate action projects, including those linked to climate adaptation planning, climate finance, urban resilience, and community-based adaptation initiatives.
  • Develop specific knowledge on the integration of human mobility into climate and environmental policies, including the role of migration as an adaptation strategy and the operationalization of global and regional frameworks (e.g., UNFCCC processes).
  • The learning experience will combine (1) on-the-job training through direct engagement in project development, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, and (2) self-paced learning via IOM’s internal platforms (i‑Learn, e‑Campus), with access to trainings on climate change, environmental sustainability, MECC, and project management.
  • The Intern will be invited to participate in relevant internal trainings, technical webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions organized by the Climate Action unit. Participation in external trainings and events will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on relevance and sensitivities. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
Eligibility

  • Final year Bachelor's student; or Graduate student; or Graduated within the last 12 months.
  • ​​Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Climate Change Studies, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution.
  • ​Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Climate Change Studies, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution will be a distinct advantage.

Experience

  • ​​Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the fields of climate change, migration and sustainable development will be a distinct advantage; and
  • ​Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc). 

Skills

  • ​​Knowledge of migration topics covered by the unit (human mobility, climate change, climate adaptation, etc.) will be an advantage.
  • ​Excellent drafting and communication skills in English.  
  • ​Ability to organise and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities is required.​ 

Languages

For this internship, fluency in ​English​ is required (oral and written). ​​Working knowledge of Russian 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: 3 months
Org Type: Regional 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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