Fellowship in the UNHCR Belgium and Luxembourg Unit

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Established to lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries. The organization delivers life-saving assistance, safeguards fundamental human rights, and develops solutions to ensure that individuals have a safe place to call home. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless individuals are granted nationality, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The fellowship position within the UNHCR Belgium and Luxembourg Unit is designed for individuals who are currently enrolled in a postgraduate program, preferably in law, political science, or international relations. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience with a United Nations agency and insight into asylum and statelessness issues while working with one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. The fellowship is available for a minimum duration of six months and can extend up to one year, starting in October 202

• The fellow will engage in a dynamic, international work environment and will have direct exposure to the experiences of refugees and stateless persons, contributing to the work carried out on their behalf. This position is voluntary and unpaid, meaning that the fellow will not receive any compensation or allowance from UNHCR, including Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA). Furthermore, if travel is required, it will not be arranged or funded by UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The fellow will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include assisting in the follow-up of individual cases of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons. They will monitor, analyze, and report on Belgian asylum law and practice, as well as parliamentary developments. The fellow will conduct research on country of origin information and various asylum and statelessness-related issues. Additionally, they will draft documents, including reports and correspondence, and will be involved in writing, editing, and translating texts in English, Dutch, and French, depending on their native language.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program, preferably in law, political science, or international relations. They must be able to regularly work from the Brussels office and dedicate sufficient time to the internship alongside their academic commitments. Consistent engagement and timely completion of tasks are essential. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in or prior experience with refugee issues or human rights, which is highly valued. Eligibility will also depend on the establishment of a formal collaboration between UNHCR and the applicant’s academic institution.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic institution in Belgium or Luxembourg, pursuing a postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as law, political science, or international relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of asylum and refugee issues, as well as the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
While prior experience in refugee issues or human rights is highly valued, it is not strictly required. However, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in these areas, which can be reflected through academic coursework, volunteer work, or internships related to humanitarian work or legal advocacy.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position includes being a native speaker of either Dutch or French, with working proficiency (B1–B2 level) in the other language. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate an excellent command of both written and spoken English, which is essential for drafting documents and communicating effectively within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This fellowship is offered on a voluntary, unpaid basis, and candidates should be aware that they will not receive any form of compensation or allowance from UNHCR. The position is available for full-time or part-time (80%) engagement, with a minimum commitment of six months and a maximum of one year. Only candidates currently enrolled in an academic institution in Belgium or Luxembourg will be considered for this fellowship.