Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including migration management, humanitarian assistance, and the integration of migrants into host communities. IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. The organization values diversity and inclusion, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage, and empathy in its workforce, which is reflected in its workplace culture.

Job Overview:
The internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme at IOM aims to attract talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience. The Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA) Unit at the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Country Office is developing projects in areas such as housing and integration, voluntary return and reintegration, and assistance to vulnerable migrants. The intern will support current activities implemented by the IOM Belgium and Luxembourg Country Office, including the 'Providing Assistance for Transitioning Housing Solutions' (PATHS) project, which aims to address housing shortages for beneficiaries of international protection. The intern will also assist in the final implementation phase of the AMIF-funded RISE project, which focuses on community sponsorship schemes and enhancing engagement of sponsors in Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain expertise in migration and integration, particularly in the area of housing for beneficiaries of international protection, while working within the United Nations system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will work closely with the Project Associate and Junior Project Assistant to provide assistance with the overall implementation and follow-up on project activities. This includes following up on project work plans and deliverables, organizing events, and supporting a recruitment campaign for landlords. The intern will draft meeting reports and minutes, as well as IOM documents and forms related to operational and administrative matters. Additionally, the intern will assist in organizing virtual and in-person events and conferences, draft public information documents, website articles, LinkedIn posts, press releases, and disseminate information on IOM activities. The intern will contribute to the identification and development of project ideas and proposals in the field of MPA, participate in project and team coordination meetings, provide clerical assistance to the MPA team, and offer ad hoc support to other Country Office project teams as needed. The intern may also be required to perform any other tasks as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, excellent writing and drafting skills, and excellent communication skills. First working experience or internship within the national public sector or NGOs related to migration or project management is highly desirable. Knowledge of the Belgian context and policies in the field of integration and/or housing solutions for beneficiaries of international protection is an advantage. The intern should demonstrate a commitment to IOM's values and competencies, including teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability, and communication.

Educational Background:
Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Migration Studies, Communications, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, or other relevant fields of study from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong foundation in organizational skills and communication abilities. Previous experience in the national public sector or NGOs related to migration or project management is highly desirable, although not mandatory. The intern should be able to demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the team's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with proficiency in either French or Dutch. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The internship is subject to local recruitment, meaning only individuals holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration. The intern is expected to apply for and obtain a scholarship to cover living costs during the internship. Potential scholarships include the Flanders Trainee Programme, Wallonie-Bruxelles International, or the Erasmus+ program. The start date of the internship position is contingent upon the availability of funding. IOM reserves the right to contact only shortlisted candidates. Interns may receive a small monthly stipend to help offset costs, but those benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship that includes financial remuneration will not be eligible for the stipend. IOM covers interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. However, interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses and must provide proof of coverage before starting work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.