UNHCR Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established in December 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries, leveraging its extensive experience to provide protection and care for millions of individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR has been active in Algeria since 1984, providing assistance to over 10,000 refugees and asylum seekers, and is committed to ensuring their rights and well-being.

Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Intern will work under the supervision of the Associate Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Officer, contributing to the Protection Unit's activities in Algiers, Algeria. This internship is a full-time position starting on September 1, 2026, and is designed to provide the intern with practical exposure to UNHCR's protection standards and operations. The intern will play a crucial role in interpreting and translating communications between asylum seekers, refugees, and UNHCR staff, as well as assisting in identifying and responding to Persons with Specific Needs (PWSN). The role will also involve supporting the RSD Team with key activities related to refugee status determination and resettlement, thereby enhancing the intern's understanding of the broader protection framework and the challenges faced by displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include interpreting and translating during one-on-one interviews and multilateral meetings between UNHCR staff and asylum seekers or refugees. They will assist in identifying Persons with Specific Needs (PwSN) and documenting their needs and protection risks. The intern will provide general protection counseling to PwSN and other asylum seekers and refugees. They will support Refugee Status Determination and Resettlement procedures by conducting Country of Origin Information (COI) research and legal analysis to aid in decision-making processes. Additionally, the intern will help maintain accurate records of interactions and cases, prepare briefing notes for protection staff, and collaborate closely with UNHCR Protection staff and partners to ensure timely support for PwSN. Participation in team briefings, trainings, and relevant inter-agency meetings will also be part of the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be either recent graduates (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited university. They should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field. A very good command of spoken and written Arabic, French, and English at a minimum C1 level is required. Candidates must not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, which is 8 months for full-time and 12 months for part-time internships. Additionally, individuals with a familial relationship to current UNHCR staff members are ineligible for the internship.

Educational Background:
A university degree in interpretation or translation between Arabic, French, and English is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate practical experience in this field. Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as familiarity with registration and scheduling software, is preferred.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant educational qualifications and practical experience in interpretation or translation. While specific work experience is not mandatory, any experience related to refugee assistance, protection services, or similar fields will be advantageous.

Languages:
A very good command of Arabic, French, and English is mandatory, with proficiency at a minimum C1 level. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time internship role with working hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday, totaling 40 hours per week. Interns who do not receive financial support from other sources will receive an allowance to help cover food, local transportation, and living expenses. Selected candidates must provide proof of health insurance coverage and a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner. The internship does not require a functional clearance and is not remote. UNHCR encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and aims to provide necessary adjustments during the recruitment process. The organization values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all candidates.