Employment in Australia

Vacancies at UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra

There are currently no vacancies.

Internships at UNHCR Regional Representation in Canberra

UNHCR provides interns with a learning opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience related to their academic programme or future work in a field related to UNHCR’s mission.

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.

Internship opportunities are periodically offered within UNHCR Canberra’s Legal Protection Unit, the Outreach and Solutions Unit, as well as the Public Information Unit. Opportunities may also arise to undertake internships through UNHCR’s fundraising association, Australia for UNHCR, in Sydney, and at its Headquarters in Geneva. 

Legal Protection Unit

As an intern in the Legal Protection Unit, you will join a team of specialized staff who have a strong focus on refugee law, including international and human rights law. You will be 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 engage in legal and policy work encompassing many aspects of legal protection of refugees and others of concern to the office. You will be expected to work independently on a variety of protection issues and tasks, yet in close collaboration with colleagues and particularly fellow interns from the Outreach and Solutions Unit, as well as the Public Information Unit. 

Applicants must be recent graduates or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in the legal field and have experience and/or a demonstrated interest in asylum and refugee protection or human rights.

Outreach and Solutions Unit

In undertaking an internship with the Outreach and Solutions Unit you will be provided with the opportunity to participate in advocacy and individual case management activities of the unit for the benefit of refugees, asylum-seekers and other persons of concern to UNHCR. 

Successful candidates will undertake legal research and engage in activities to support objectives relating to refugee status determination, resettlement and protection monitoring. 

Applicants must be recent graduates or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in the legal field and have experience and/or a demonstrated interest in asylum and refugee protection or human rights. Applicants coming from Pacific Island countries and/or with demonstrated experience in the context of policy framework in the Pacific region, will have a competitive preference in the selection process. 

External Relations Unit

The Extneral Relations Unit is responsible for UNHCR Canberra’s public image and raises awareness about UNHCR’s work and refugee issues amongst parliamentarians, schools, 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. You will work in a close, fast-paced team that is always looking for new and inventive ways to communicate. 

Applicants must be recent graduates or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in communication, media studies, journalism, political science, international relations or development studies. Strong skills in computer software and social media, as well as experience writing for a public audience are desirable.  A demonstrated interest in human rights, development or refugee issues will be favourably regarded.

Records and Information Management

The Finance/Programme Unit is looking for a part-time (approx. 20 hours per week) intern for an initial period of three months, with an option to extend up to six months.

As the Records and Information Management intern, you will be provided with the opportunity to develop revised records management and information sharing systems for UNHCR Canberra that comply with UNHCR’s revised Policy on the Management of UNHCR Records and Archives.

Applicants must be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at a minimum and have undertaken records management and archival administration or related courses.

Internship Conditions

Internships are offered on a full-time basis, Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5.00pm for a minimum period of three months, up to a maximum of six months, provided that the eligibility criteria continue to be met.

How to Apply

Please send your current resume and a covering letter outlining your qualifications, experience and motivation for applying for an internship with UNHCR Canberra to [email protected]. Please indicate the unit, for which you wish to be considered and the period you would like to undertake your internship. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Good to know when applying

Interns may be eligible to receive financial support from an outside party, usually a university, and are strongly encouraged to explore their sponsorship options. A Food and Local Transportation Allowance of a maximum of USD 1,000 per month is provided to non-sponsored interns only. 

It is the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institution to arrange for travel to and from the duty station upon commencement and conclusion of the internship. All related travel expenses, including visas, will be paid by the intern or sponsoring institution. UNHCR does not cover the cost of travel or visas.

All interns who are not nationals of the country where their duty station is located must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage, including illness, accidents and repatriation coverage, to cover the full period of the internship. UNHCR accepts no responsibility for any costs connected to medical insurance of interns.

You may also be interested to read the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:

How long are internships with UNHCR Canberra?

Internships last from three to six months.

What is the deadline for applying?

Applications are open throughout the year and are kept on file. We will contact you if we are interested in interviewing you for an internship.

Can I get financial support?

A Food and Local Transportation Allowance of a maximum of USD 1,000 per month is provided to non-sponsored interns only. 

Are there opportunities in other regions?

UNHCR offers internship opportunities around the world, including the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva. Learn more about global internship opportunities.