Internship in Livelihood and Economic Inclusion

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 worldwide, employing a vast number of staff dedicated to providing assistance and protection to millions of individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanitarianism, neutrality, and independence, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion (LEI) unit at UNHCR Warsaw Multi-Country Office is a full-time role aimed at supporting the economic inclusion of refugees. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer, contributing to the strategic vision of aligning livelihood efforts with the Global Compact for Refugees. The intern will engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and financial service providers, to enhance economic opportunities for Persons of Concern (PoC) and host communities. This role involves supporting knowledge management, coordinating unit activities, and documenting best practices to improve the self-reliance of refugees and alleviate pressure on host communities. The intern will also assist in maintaining databases and facilitating communication among stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and information exchange.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting knowledge management by creating a repository of good practices and resources; developing and promoting communication materials; providing logistical support for events, meetings, and training sessions; taking minutes during meetings and tracking action items; building and maintaining professional relationships with partners; assisting in writing reports, internal updates, fact sheets, and presentations; translating documents; and performing various daily tasks as needed. The intern will also be expected to contribute to the overall coordination of the unit's work and support the strategic objectives of UNHCR's economic inclusion initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be recent graduates or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited university. They should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field. Additionally, candidates must not have immediate relatives working for UNHCR and should not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with the organization. Strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in English and Polish at a B2 level or above. Experience in project management, social media, and online communication tools is desirable, as well as familiarity with economic inclusion and livelihoods.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a recent graduate or a current student in a relevant field of study. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a discipline that aligns with the work of UNHCR, such as social sciences, international relations, or development studies. It is important that candidates ensure their educational institution is accredited by IAU/UNESCO when applying.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in project management and working with humanitarian or development actors. While prior internship experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience in research, economic inclusion, or working with displaced populations will be considered an asset. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is crucial, along with strong prioritization and self-management skills.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Polish is mandatory, with both languages required at a minimum B2 level. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position. Candidates with multilingual capabilities may have an advantage in this role, especially in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is offered for an initial period of 6 months, with the possibility of extension up to a cumulative duration of 8 months. It is a full-time position with working hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Interns who do not receive financial support from external sources will receive an allowance to help cover living expenses. Travel costs for interns coming from outside the country will be reimbursed for their journey to and from the duty station, subject to prior authorization. Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and health insurance, and must provide proof of health coverage and a medical certificate before starting the internship. UNHCR encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.