Intern at the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries. The organization is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, and it works to harness the potential of migration while addressing its challenges. IOM's mission is to ensure that all employees can thrive professionally, contributing to the organization's goals and objectives while fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme at IOM is designed to attract talented students and graduates who have a keen interest in migration-related issues. Interns are expected to be between the ages of 20 and 36 and should have less than two years of relevant work experience. The intern will be working part-time, approximately 20 hours per week, starting on January 15, 2026, or as soon as possible. The intern will primarily support the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit in conducting research related to the project 'TALENT MOVES – Policy analyses on immigration and retention of skilled workers.' This role will involve desk research, literature reviews, and contributing to various research outputs, thereby providing valuable insights into migration policies and practices in Austria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include conducting desk research and literature reviews, transcribing expert interviews, and contributing to research outputs as requested. The intern will also assist with editing, proofreading, and translation tasks between German and English. Additionally, the intern will attend internal and external meetings as required and perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor. This role is crucial for supporting the IOM's mission to provide evidence-based policy recommendations and enhance understanding of migration dynamics in Austria and the broader European context.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive knowledge of migration governance in Austria and the EU, particularly in relation to labor migration. Proven experience in research and excellent writing skills are essential. Work experience with an international organization is considered an asset. The intern should also demonstrate strong social and intercultural skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. A personal commitment to the values and mission of IOM is also required.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Migration Studies, Law, Social Science, or related fields is required for this internship position. Candidates should either be enrolled in the final academic year of their degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the work of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit.

Experience:
The internship is targeted at individuals with less than two years of relevant work experience. This is to ensure that the position is accessible to recent graduates and students who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of migration policy and research. Previous internships or volunteer work in related areas will be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written command of both German and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly IOM's official languages such as French and Spanish, is considered a plus. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
The internship is part-time, with an expected commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for appointment. Interns may receive a small monthly stipend to help offset costs, but those receiving financial remuneration or credits from their university or other sponsoring bodies will not be eligible for this stipend. IOM provides coverage for occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan, but interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.