Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced individuals? The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offers a dynamic internship program for talented, motivated, and passionate individuals from around the globe. Gain invaluable experience in the humanitarian sector while contributing to UNHCR’s mission of protecting and supporting people forced to flee.
About the UNHCR Internship Programme
The UNHCR Internship Programme is designed for eligible students and recent graduates looking to align their academic studies and career aspirations with real-world experience in humanitarian work. As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to work in an international environment, tackle meaningful assignments, and collaborate with highly qualified mentors.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an internship with UNHCR, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a recent graduate* or a current student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program from a university accredited by UNESCO.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR’s work.
- Not have immediate relatives (parents or siblings) working for UNHCR.
*Recent graduates are those who completed their studies within two years of applying.
Internship Locations and Duration
Internships are offered in various locations, including:
- UNHCR headquarters in Geneva
- Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen
- Field country offices worldwide
Interns may work on-site or remotely, depending on their manager’s approval. Placements typically last 2–6 months, with a potential extension to 8 months based on organizational needs.
Benefits of UNHCR Internships
UNHCR provides:
- Allowance: Financial support for food, local transportation, and living expenses for interns without external funding.
- Travel Reimbursement: Return travel costs to the duty station for interns working outside their home country.
- Professional Development: Real-life experience in humanitarian work, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a significant addition to your CV.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with influential individuals in the humanitarian sector.
Medical Insurance
Interns must arrange their own medical insurance covering accidents and illnesses, including emergency medical evacuation if needed. Proof of valid insurance must be provided before starting the internship.
Allowance:
Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive an allowance to partially help cover the cost of food, local transportation, and living expenses.
How to Apply
Current internship opportunities are posted on the UNHCR recruitment platform, and new roles are added regularly. Some regional and country offices also share opportunities on their dedicated websites.
To apply:
- Visit the UNHCR Recruitment Platform.
- Create an account and submit your application for roles of interest.
- Review the internship FAQs to ensure you’re prepared for the application process.
Current Internship Opportunities
Here are some of the latest roles available:
- Here is the list of current UNHCR internship opportunities:
- Communications Intern
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus - Inter-Agency Coordination Intern
Location: Barranquilla, Colombia - Legal/Protection Intern
Location: Bern, Switzerland - External Relations Intern
Location: Bern, Switzerland - Admin Intern
Location: Ankara, Turkey - Strategic Communications and Outreach Intern
Location: Washington, United States of America - CBI Intern
Location: Cucuta, Colombia - Data Science Intern
Location: Copenhagen (HQ), Denmark - Statistics Intern
Location: Geneva, Switzerland - External Relations Intern
Location: Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Communications Intern
More positions are available on the recruitment platform.
Make a Difference with UNHCR
UNHCR values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, encouraging applications from individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, or other distinctions. By joining as an intern, you’ll play an essential role in advancing humanitarian efforts while gaining skills and experiences to propel your career forward.
Start your journey with UNHCR today and contribute to a global mission of compassion and support.
