Internship Profile

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect and assist refugees and other persons of concern. It is constantly seeking talented, compassionate candidates with high-integrity to strengthen its capacity to respond urgently to crises with the right skills. Given the nature of UNHCR's work, it is essential that its workforce has the right mix of skills and qualities to fulfill its mandate.

Organizational Context

UNHCR's Internship Programme offers eligible students and recent graduates both at Headquarters and Country Offices the unique opportunity to gain hands-on practical work experience in the humanitarian sector in an international environment and to understand UNHCR's core mandate.  This learning opportunity aims to attract talented candidates who bring diverse profiles and knowledge, innovative thinking and different ideas to the UNHCR's workplace. Internships are offered depending on the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns and to provide them with meaningful assignments.

Tasks and responsibilities

The intern will perform the functions specified in the Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office before the beginning of the assignment and agreed by the intern.

Eligibility requirements

In order to be considered for an internship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a recent graduate* or current student in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by UNESCO; and
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant or of interest to the work of the Organization.
- Have no immediate relatives (father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister) working as staff members of UNHCR, including a Temporary Appointment holders or members of the Affiliate
        Workforce.
* Recent graduates are to be considered those persons who completed their studies within one year of applying for an internship with UNHCR.

Furthermore, candidates should be able to adapt to an international environment and possess strong communication skills.

When completing you application form, in your Letter of Interest please clearly specify the location(s) you are interested in, your period of availability for a possible internship and your preferred area of work.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.