Careers

Vacancies at UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra

There are currently no vacancies.

Internships at UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra

Internship opportunities are periodically offered within the Legal Protection Unit, Pacific Unit and the Public Information Unit of UNHCR’s Regional Representation in Canberra. Opportunities may also arise to undertake internships through UNHCR’s fundraising association, Australia for UNHCR, in Sydney, and at its Headquarters in Geneva. It should be noted that all UNHCR internships are undertaken on a purely voluntary basis and UNHCR is not able to provide remuneration or relocation assistance. Internships are offered on a full-time basis, Monday to Friday during working hours 8:45am – 5:00pm, for a minimum period of three months. However candidates are encouraged to commit to a six month internship.

Legal Protection Unit

In undertaking an internship with the Legal Protection Unit, you are provided with the opportunity to gain practical legal work experience and the unique opportunity to contribute to the work of the United Nations.

Successful candidates will be engaged in legal and policy work encompassing many aspects of legal protection of refugees and others of concern to the office in the Pacific region and globally.
Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at a minimum and have experience or a demonstrated interest in asylum and refugee protection or human rights.

Public Information Unit

The Public Information Unit raises awareness about UNHCR’s work and refugee issues amongst parliamentarians, schools, the media and the general public. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain experience in media analysis, strategy and policy research as well as engagement with stakeholders.

Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at a minimum in the field of International Relations, Journalism and Communications with some work experience in a relevant field.

Candidates with significant experience in community education, public relations or journalism are also encouraged to apply.

Pacific Unit

In undertaking an internship with the Pacific Unit you are provided with the opportunity to undertake policy research and engage in technical support for capacity building objectives in Pacific Island states. You are also provided with the opportunity to gain legal and advocacy experience addressing the protection concerns of individuals, and participate in coordination activities with national stakeholders in the Pacific region.

Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at a minimum and should demonstrate a strong background in international relations, policy and legal research. Applicants should also have experience or demonstrated interest in refugee, human rights and humanitarian law. Applicants coming from Pacific Island countries and/or with demonstrated experience in the context and policy framework in the Pacific region will have a competitive preference in the selection process.

Internship Conditions

All internships are full-time voluntary positions for a minimum period of three months, however candidates are encouraged to commit to a six month internship. The working hours are 8:45am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Please send your current Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter outlining your qualifications, experience and motivation for applying for an internship with UNHCR. Please also indicate for which period you would like to be considered.

All internships are entirely voluntary. There are no payments and all costs connected with an internship must be borne by the intern, including travel, living and accommodation costs.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your current Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience and motivation for applying for an internship with UNHCR to our general email address. Please also indicate for which period you would like to be considered.

Internships at UNHCR Headquarters

The different departments of UNHCR Headquarters in the Geneva and Budapest offices offer internships to young people throughout the year. Some field offices also take on interns. The duration of internships normally lasts between two and six months.

Internships are offered depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns. There is no deadline for sending in an application form.

The kind of work interns are offered depends on UNHCR requirements as well as the qualifications and interests of the applicant. Most interns work on a project which will benefit both them and UNHCR, in fields such as refugee protection (legal), international relations, administration and public affairs.

Applications must be submitted through the online applications link. Since not all offices have access to the central database, it is recommended that, in addition to the online application, requests for internships be also submitted by separate mail with a covering letter to the field office concerned.

The details of those who submit online applications will be stored for six months. Managers consult the database when searching for candidates with specific academic profiles. If your application interests one of our departments, the relevant manager will contact you directly.

The Division of Human Resources Management does not coordinate this process. Should you not be contacted within six months of submitting your application, you may register again. Your previous registration will be cancelled.

Should you already be in contact with a manager interested in your candidature, an internship can still be offered without prior registration in the database.

UNHCR does not provide any financial support for interns.

If you experience problems with your UNHCR HQ registration, please email Internships.