UNHCR Programme 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 essential services and support to refugees and asylum seekers in both urban and camp settings, and currently serves over 10,000 individuals in Algiers alone.

Job Overview:
The UNHCR Programme Intern will be based in the Programme Unit in Algiers, Algeria, and will work under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer. This full-time internship is designed for individuals who are either recent graduates or current students in relevant fields. The intern will support various activities within the Programme Unit, which plays a crucial role in coordinating and monitoring UNHCR's partnerships to ensure effective delivery of protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. The intern will engage in project planning, implementation, and reporting, contributing to strategic planning and resource allocation, as well as supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts. This role is vital in fostering collaboration with national and international partners to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the assistance provided.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will assist in monitoring the implementation of programme activities, tracking progress against established plans and indicators. Responsibilities include reviewing and consolidating reports from implementing partners, maintaining and updating programme monitoring tools and databases, and preparing internal and external reports and documentation. The intern will also support the organization of meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities, including drafting minutes and follow-up actions. Conducting desk research and compiling relevant information for programme design and reporting, as well as providing administrative and logistical assistance to the Programme Unit, are also key duties. The intern may be required to perform other related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for the internship. They should be recent graduates (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or current students in a graduate or undergraduate programme from an accredited university. Additionally, candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR's work. It is important that candidates have not exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, which is eight months for full-time and twelve months for part-time internships. Notably, individuals with a close familial relationship to current UNHCR staff members are ineligible for this internship.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a recent graduate or a current student in a relevant field of study. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in disciplines that align with UNHCR's mission and operations, such as international relations, social sciences, or humanitarian studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee protection and assistance.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in humanitarian work and a commitment to the values of UNHCR. Experience in volunteer work, internships, or academic projects related to refugee issues, social justice, or international development would be advantageous and could enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams is required. Excellent drafting and communication skills in both French and English (oral and written) are mandatory, while knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the multicultural environment of UNHCR and for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position 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. Travel costs for interns coming from outside Algeria will be reimbursed for their outward and return travel to the duty station, subject to prior authorization. Internships typically last between two to six months, with the possibility of extension up to eight months for full-time internships and twelve months for part-time internships. Interns are responsible for acquiring and renewing visas and health insurance, and they must provide proof of health insurance coverage and a certificate of good health before starting the internship. UNHCR encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and aims to provide necessary adjustments during the recruitment process.