Employment in Australia
Join UNHCR and make a difference
© UNHCR/ H. Holland
UNHCR leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes, delivering life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water to help safeguard fundamental human rights and ensuring safety and dignity.
With 9,700 staff working in over 125 countries, we use our expertise to protect and care for around 60 million people worldwide.
Vacancies at UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra
Protection Assistant
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Representation in Canberra invites applications for the full time temporary position of Protection Assistant for three months.
Applicants must have a high level of written and oral communication skills, proven planning and organisational abilities, experience with a range of computer software and an ability to work in a multicultural environment. Legal or paralegal qualifications or experience and familiarity with UNHCR policies and procedures would be an asset. Foreseen commencement date late August 2017.
Please see the duty statement and selection criteria below.
Written applications including a response to all selection criteria and completed Personal History Profile should be sent to aulca@unhcr.org by 5:00pm AEST on 23 June 2017.
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.
Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at a minimum and have experience and/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 aulca@unhcr.org. Please also indicate for which period you would like to be considered.