Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing a vast number of individuals dedicated to humanitarian efforts. UNHCR's work is crucial as millions of people are forced to flee their homes each year due to conflict and persecution, and the agency aims to provide them with the necessary support and protection.

Job Overview:
The Protection Intern position at UNHCR Brazil offers a unique opportunity to engage in humanitarian work while applying academic knowledge in a real-world setting. The intern will be part of the Protection Unit, which is responsible for ensuring the rights and safety of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons. The intern will assist in providing timely and effective protection responses, manage the HELP website for accountability of affected populations, and support the operation in addressing climate change issues related to forced displacement. This role will involve research, drafting policy briefs, and monitoring developments in climate policy to ensure that the needs of displaced communities are considered in adaptation strategies. The internship is designed to help the intern gain practical skills in legal analysis, community engagement, and human rights advocacy while contributing to the lives of refugees and other forcibly displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: consistently applying International and National Law and UN/UNHCR policies; observing protection-related Standard Operating Procedures; staying updated on assistance and services available to refugees; managing the UNHCR Brazil HELP Platform; compiling reports on trends from the HELP Platform; gathering information on climate-related disasters and their intersection with forced displacement; preparing concept notes, briefings, and project proposals; and providing functional and administrative support to the protection unit. The intern may also assist in face-to-face counseling and other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be either recent graduates (within two years of applying) or current students in a graduate/undergraduate program from an accredited university. They should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field. Previous UNHCR internship experience is acceptable, provided it does not exceed eight months in total. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of International Refugee Law, Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights Law, as well as a good understanding of forced displacement and climate change initiatives. Strong analytical and writing skills are mandatory, and excellent communication and relationship-building skills are an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR's work. A recent graduation or current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited institution is required. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge to support the practical work of the Protection Unit.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in relevant fields related to humanitarian work, legal analysis, or community engagement. While previous internship experience with UNHCR is beneficial, it should not exceed a total of eight months. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the issues faced by refugees and displaced persons, as well as familiarity with the operational context of humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of UNHCR. Additionally, knowledge of Portuguese and/or other UN official languages is desirable, which would enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time internship role with working hours from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays, totaling 37.5 hours per week. The internship will last for a duration of 5 months, and while the position is based in Brasília, Brazil, there is a possibility for remote work. UNHCR will not provide an allowance for this internship, so candidates must present proof of funding from their sponsoring institution. The intern will be responsible for acquiring and renewing visas, residence permits, and obtaining medical certification, as well as complying with taxation requirements if applicable. The selected candidate must also provide health insurance coverage and a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.