Internship in the Ethics Office

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR Ethics Office, established in June 2008, operates within the UNHCR Headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. Its mission is to assist the Secretary General and the High Commissioner in ensuring that all staff members adhere to the highest standards of integrity as mandated by the UN Charter, staff regulations, and relevant guidelines and policies. The office plays a crucial role in fostering an ethical culture within the organization and is responsible for providing confidential guidance, managing the UNHCR Code of Conduct Dialogue sessions, implementing policies against retaliation for reporting misconduct, administering the United Nations Financial Disclosure Programme, and developing training programs to support its mandate. The Ethics Office continuously evaluates its achievements and conducts risk assessments to enhance its responsiveness to country-level operations, collaborating with various Bureaus, Divisions, and Units both in the Field and at Headquarters.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the UNHCR Ethics Office is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to the promotion of ethical standards within the organization. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Ethics Office, engaging in various functions that support the office's mission. The role encompasses a blend of communications and executive support responsibilities, where the intern will assist in developing and implementing communication strategies related to ethics, monitor news trends, and contribute to the creation of impactful content that highlights UNHCR's ethical initiatives. Additionally, the intern will provide executive support by managing communications, scheduling, and documentation for the supervisor, ensuring that priority matters are addressed efficiently. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of the UNHCR and to actively participate in fostering an ethical culture within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the development and implementation of communications strategies related to ethics; monitoring news and popular trends to integrate UNHCR’s messaging; contributing to the creation of news-driven content such as interviews, press releases, and reports; ensuring effective distribution of content across UNHCR channels; monitoring and adjusting communications projects based on success indicators; providing executive support by screening and responding to incoming communications; managing the supervisor’s schedule and correspondence; preparing notes and minutes for meetings; tracking progress on agreed issues; and performing other duties as required by the Ethics Office. The intern will also be expected to provide debriefing and hand-over notes to the Ethics team and relevant colleagues at the end of the internship.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must be recent graduates or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from a university accredited by UNESCO. They should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field. Additionally, candidates must not have immediate relatives working for UNHCR in any capacity at the time of application. Desirable qualifications include completed university studies in Journalism, communications, public information, media, or international relations, as well as experience in communication, data visualization, or graphic design. Strong drafting and communication skills, fluency in English, and proficiency in tools such as Excel and PowerPoint are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in fields relevant to the work of the UNHCR, particularly in areas such as Journalism, communications, public information, media, or international relations. A minimum of two years of undergraduate studies is required, and recent graduates are those who have completed their studies within two years prior to applying for the internship.

Experience:
The internship does not require extensive prior experience, but any experience in the field of communication, data visualization, or graphic design will be considered an asset. The focus is on candidates who are recent graduates or current students, thus allowing for a learning experience rather than demanding extensive professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, Spanish, or French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position with a duration of six months, starting in November 2025, with the possibility of extension. Working hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. Interns who do not receive financial support from an external source will receive an allowance to help cover living expenses. The UNHCR promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and welcomes applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.