Protection Unit

3 Oct 2017

UNHCR is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to protecting the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons. Candidates who themselves come from a refugee background are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an intern in the protection unit, you will join a team of specialised staff who have a strong focus on international and human rights law, including refugee and asylum law. You will be responsible for a variety of protection issues and tasks, with your interest and expertise guiding some of your workload. You will be expected to work independently, yet in close collaboration with colleagues and particularly fellow interns from the Protection, PI/communication and External Relations units.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

  • Handle calls and letters from persons of concern who are seeking information and advice related to asylum or family reunification procedures in the region covered by UNHCR Northern Europe
  • Handle individual cases raising special questions in the application or interpretation of the applicable refugee law principles
  • Undertake independent research into legal issues relevant to domestic or international asylum legislation or practice;
  • Assist in the preparation of legal interventions
  • Support and take part in Refugee Law and Protection training activities for authorities responsible for refugee status determination, judges and lawyers
  • Gather and analyse information on political, legal, social and economic developments which have a bearing on UNHCR protection activities in the area in order to promote the adoption of appropriate protection policies and activities

BACKGROUND AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • Recent graduate or final year student in law, political science or international relations
  • A specialization in asylum/migration/refugee law, European asylum law and/or international human rights law
  • Work experience in the field of asylum, human rights of law is an asset
  • Fluency in oral and written English
  • Working knowledge of one or more of the Nordic and/or Baltic languages is an asset, as is knowledge of Arabic and Tigrinya
  • Multicultural competence and the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways

APPLY TO THIS INTERNSHIP

Good to know when applying

  • Interns may be eligible for funding through scholarships available by universities, or other external sources.
  • Interns may also be eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • You may also be interested to read the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.

Prepare your application

Your application consists of three documents written in English:

Submit your application

For internships starting February 2018, please submit your application via email by 31 October 2017 including in the subject line “Internship Application”.

Send your application to Lena Fransson, email: fransson@unhcr.org