Internship

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in December 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries worldwide, leveraging its extensive experience to provide protection and care for millions of individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. The organization is particularly active in Italy, where it oversees operations in several countries including San Marino, the Holy See, Malta, and Cyprus, all of which are situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. UNHCR's work in Italy is crucial, especially given the significant number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea and land, and its commitment to improving the legal frameworks and systems that protect the rights of these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to support the Solutions unit within UNHCR's integration team, specifically focusing on the Welcome project and related initiatives. The intern will engage in various activities that aim to enhance the integration of persons of concern (PoC) in Italy. This role provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as asylum, refugee protection, and community integration. The intern will work closely with experienced professionals, receiving on-the-job training and coaching that will deepen their understanding of the complexities surrounding refugee issues and the integration process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks under the direct supervision of the Senior Integration Associate. Key responsibilities include: supporting the Integration team in evaluating applications for the Welcome and WeWelcome logos award; organizing meetings for the committee responsible for final decisions regarding these awards; assisting in the planning and execution of the final Welcome award event; drafting the Welcome 2024 report; liaising with candidate companies to share relevant information; coordinating with the Communications unit; monitoring user registrations on the Welcome-in-one-click web platform; supporting the integration team in reviewing documents and reports in both Italian and English; overseeing the integration of students arriving in Italy through the UNICORE programme; and drafting toolkits and fact sheets for refugees involved in Labour Pathways schemes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess essential qualifications including university studies in Law, Human Rights, Political Science, Social Science, Community Development/Social Work, or related fields. Fluency in English at a B2 level and Italian at a C2 level is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate computer literacy, particularly in MS Office, and possess good communication and teamwork skills. Organizational skills and the ability to work autonomously are also essential, along with the capacity to perform under pressure. Desirable qualifications include previous experience in asylum and refugee protection, knowledge of other UN languages, and advanced computer skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be either recent graduates who have completed their studies within the last two years or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited university or higher education institution. Additionally, candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR's work.

Experience:
The position does not require extensive prior experience, but candidates with previous working experience in the field of asylum and refugee protection will be viewed favorably. The internship is aimed at individuals who are looking to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a required level of B2, and fluency in Italian is also mandatory, with a required level of C

• Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered desirable but not essential.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy, as this position does not offer sponsorship. English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy, and only applications completed in English will be considered. The internship is unpaid, but interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party will receive an allowance to help cover food, transportation, and living expenses. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with a refugee or stateless background. The organization has a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will undergo mandatory clearance checks prior to receiving an offer.