Administrative Intern

Administrative Intern

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

January 30, 2026March 16, 2026SofiaBulgaria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195
  • Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, aiming to provide support and solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Administrative Unit by providing essential administrative assistance. This position is designed to help the intern gain practical experience in a UN operational environment, allowing them to understand the various administrative functions within the organization. The intern will be involved in day-to-day administrative processes, documentation, coordination, and follow-up tasks, ensuring adherence to established procedures and standards. The role is structured to provide continuous guidance and direction from a supervisor, with responsibilities tailored to meet both the learning objectives of the intern and the operational needs of the Administrative Unit. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to develop their skills in a professional setting while contributing to the effective implementation of administrative services and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Intern include: receiving visitors, screening telephone calls, responding to routine information requests, and taking notes during meetings as required. The intern will maintain both hard and electronic office files and records, classifying and coding materials on various topics. They will be responsible for receiving, reviewing, sorting, and distributing all incoming and outgoing correspondence, highlighting priority items, and ensuring necessary background information is attached. The intern may also maintain and update confidential files, draft routine correspondence, memoranda, and reports, and format more complex documents using appropriate technology. Additionally, the intern will facilitate the implementation of personnel administrative formalities and assist with processing documents related to official travels, leaves, and staff movements. They will maintain office inventory and supplies, monitor asset management, and ensure accurate recording of all administrative procurements and disposals of UNHCR property. The intern will also make logistical and administrative arrangements for seminars, workshops, and briefings as instructed by the supervisor, regulate and monitor routine service provisions, and ensure proper functioning of office facilities and equipment. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet specific qualifications: they should be either recent graduates who have completed their studies within two years of applying or current students enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at a university or higher education facility accredited by IAU/UNESCO. Additionally, candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to the work of UNHCR. It is also essential that candidates have not exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, which is eight months for full-time internships and twelve months for part-time internships. Fluency in both Bulgarian and English is required for this position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field, which could include areas such as international relations, public administration, social sciences, or any other discipline that aligns with the work of UNHCR. A recent graduation or current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited institution is necessary to qualify for this internship.

Experience:
This internship does not require prior work experience, but candidates should be recent graduates or current students who have completed relevant coursework. The focus is on providing an opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience in an administrative role within a UN environment, thus making it suitable for those who are new to the workforce or looking to transition into a career in international relations or humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in Bulgarian and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for performing the duties of the internship and interacting with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is classified under the family staff member/affiliate type and is not home-based. The target start date for this position is March 1, 202
  • The internship is not remote and requires the intern to be present in the office. The position does not require a functional clearance, and there are no specific notes regarding contract duration or seniority level, as it is an internship role.
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