Fellow

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, utilizing its expertise to provide life-saving assistance, safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure individuals have a safe place to call home. The organization is committed to ensuring that stateless individuals are granted nationality and works tirelessly to protect and care for millions around the globe.

Job Overview:
The position of Fellow within the Unit for Belgium and Luxembourg in Brussels is designed for individuals seeking to gain practical experience with a United Nations agency. This fellowship offers insight into critical issues surrounding asylum and statelessness, allowing fellows to work closely with one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. The role is part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 50%, and spans a duration of six months to a maximum of one year, commencing in October 202

• The fellowship is voluntary and unpaid, providing an opportunity to augment academic studies with real-world experience while developing language skills in English, French, and Dutch. The fellow will engage directly with the experiences of refugees and stateless persons, contributing to the organization's mission and gaining valuable exposure to the humanitarian sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fellow will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the mission of UNHCR. These duties include assisting in the follow-up of individual cases involving asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons. The fellow will monitor, analyze, and report on Belgian asylum law and practice, as well as parliamentary developments that impact these communities. Researching country of origin information and various asylum and statelessness-related issues will also be a key responsibility. Additionally, the fellow 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. This role requires consistent engagement and timely completion of tasks, with a balanced mix of remote and in-person presence expected.

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. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in refugee issues or human rights, and prior experience in these areas is highly valued. Furthermore, applicants must have a valid residence permit in the EU and establish a formal collaboration between UNHCR and their academic institution in Belgium. Language proficiency is also a critical requirement, with fluency in either Dutch or French and working proficiency (B1–B2 level) in the other language, alongside excellent command of written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program, ideally in fields such as law, political science, or international relations. This educational background is essential to ensure that fellows possess the necessary theoretical knowledge to engage effectively with the practical aspects of the role.

Experience:
While specific prior work experience is not mandatory, demonstrated interest in or prior experience with refugee issues or human rights is highly valued. This fellowship is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a humanitarian context, and candidates should be prepared to engage actively with the responsibilities outlined.

Languages:
Fluency in either Dutch or French is mandatory, with working proficiency (B1–B2 level) in the other language. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate excellent command of both written and spoken English, as these language skills are crucial for the tasks involved in the fellowship.

Additional Notes:
This fellowship is part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 50% of the time, and is expected to last for a minimum of six months and up to a maximum of one year. It is important to note that this position is voluntary and unpaid, meaning that fellows will not receive any form of compensation or allowance from UNHCR, including Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA). If travel is required, it will not be arranged or funded by UNHCR. Only candidates currently enrolled in an academic institution in Belgium or Luxembourg will be considered for this position.