Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization established in 1950 by the General Assembly of the United Nations in response to the aftermath of the Second World War. Its mission is to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR operates in numerous countries around the world, providing essential assistance such as shelter, food, water, and medical care to displaced individuals. The organization is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and helping them find safety and a place to call home, while also working with nations to improve and monitor laws and policies related to refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring that human rights are upheld.

Job Overview:
The fellowship is a full-time position within the Protection Policy and Legal Advice Section (PPLA) of the Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) at UNHCR HQ in Geneva, Switzerland. The fellow will be integrated into the Legal Unit of the PPLA Section, which is responsible for developing legal guidance and providing legal advice on various issues related to refugee protection. The primary focus of the fellowship is to assist in ongoing legal protection work concerning refugees, while also familiarizing the fellow with the daily operations and realities of UNHCR HQ. The fellowship aims to enhance the fellow's understanding of international legal frameworks governing refugee protection and to develop professional skills such as time management, teamwork, and legal research and drafting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The fellow will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the objectives of the PPLA Section. These tasks may include conducting legal research and analysis, drafting and updating research papers on topics relevant to UNHCR's policy and legal work, particularly concerning law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and domestic legislation affecting refugees. The fellow may also assist in collecting and analyzing data on refugee treaties and national legislation, editing legal documents, and attending meetings, workshops, and seminars to take notes and report back to the team. The overarching goal is for the fellow to gain a deeper understanding of UNHCR's work and to develop practical skills that will be beneficial in their future career.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for the fellowship. They should be current students or recent graduates in international law, preferably with a focus on human rights or refugee law, from a graduate law school program accredited by UNESCO. Additionally, candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field and demonstrate fluency in English, both oral and written, along with a working knowledge of a second UN language. Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, creative thinking, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Office, is also required, along with a favorable disposition towards working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this fellowship includes being a current student or a recent graduate from a graduate law school program, with a focus on international law, human rights, or refugee law. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field, ensuring they possess a solid foundation in legal principles and frameworks that pertain to the work of UNHCR.

Experience:
The fellowship is designed for individuals who are either current students or have recently graduated, meaning that extensive professional experience is not a prerequisite. However, candidates should have a foundational understanding of international law and relevant legal frameworks, as well as some exposure to legal research and analysis through their academic studies or internships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in oral and written forms. Additionally, candidates should have a working knowledge of a second UN language, which is considered beneficial for the role and aligns with the multilingual environment of UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This fellowship is a full-time commitment, requiring 40 hours of work per week from Monday to Friday. It is important to note that the fellowship does not provide financial support for living expenses, food, local transportation, or travel costs to and from the duty station; these must be covered by an outside party. UNHCR emphasizes diversity and inclusivity within its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with a refugee background. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.