Intern - Protection and Counter-Trafficking

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become the leading organization in the field of migration, with over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes providing support in areas such as migration management, humanitarian assistance, and development, ensuring that migration contributes positively to development and human rights.

Job Overview:
The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Sr. Project Assistant and the overall guidance of the National Project Officer within the Protection and Counter-Trafficking Team. The role involves providing support in coordination, communication, and reporting, while closely collaborating with the protection team to develop a comprehensive understanding of IOM’s operations and strategic partnerships. The intern will contribute to advancing IOM Lao PDR’s protection and counter-trafficking projects and assist the team in identifying resource mobilization opportunities. This includes engaging with stakeholders to explore potential areas of collaboration between IOM, government counterparts, and partners. The internship will be based at the IOM Office in the United Nations House, Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and will be governed by IOM’s standard Human Resources rules and regulations. The position may require travel outside Vientiane to accompany programme units and/or the Chief of Mission, depending on operational needs, and such travel will be subject to approval by the supervisor and the Resource Management Officer, carried out in compliance with IOM’s standard security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will assist with coordination, communication, and reporting for protection and counter-trafficking projects. This includes writing notes for file, briefing notes, work plans, meeting minutes, visibility documents, media monitoring, Monitoring and Evaluation, and other related documents. The intern will draft correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, and other documentation, support the organization of training, workshops, coordination, and advocacy activities, and provide administrative and logistical support for project implementation. This also involves contributing to the effective filing and documentation of project activities, translating documents between English and Lao, reviewing communication materials for accuracy, and providing interpretation where required. The intern will support the team in strengthening IOM’s relationships with key government counterparts, partners, UN agencies, donors, and other relevant stakeholders, assist in identifying opportunities for collaboration with government counterparts and partners to strengthen IOM’s engagement and expand project funding, and support visibility and communications in line with donor and IOM requirements. Participation in IOM or UN in-house activities as required and undertaking duty travel related to project activities, subject to approval and security procedures, are also part of the responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong academic background in areas such as international relations, public policy, development studies, or migration-related fields. A good understanding of IOM’s mandate, strategic vision, and programmatic priorities is desirable. The intern should demonstrate a good command of English as the main language, and knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset. The position requires in-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization, as well as knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, International Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required. Alternatively, a university degree in the above fields with one year of relevant professional experience is acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong academic background in relevant fields, with a preference for those who have demonstrated experience or knowledge in international relations, public policy, development studies, or migration-related areas. Familiarity with IOM’s mandate and strategic priorities is desirable, indicating that candidates should have some exposure to the workings of international organizations or similar environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Lao is required for all applicants, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another UN language, such as Chinese, French, or Russian, is desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The internship program aims to attract talented students and graduates who have an interest in areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Candidates should either be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional inquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted. The internship may involve a full-time commitment and is designed to provide practical experience in the field of migration and humanitarian assistance.