Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve the lives of forcibly displaced people and to promote their rights.

Job Overview:
The Protection Intern at UNHCR Korea plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's efforts to enhance the domestic asylum system and improve the treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees. This position involves engaging with various stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the media, to advocate for the rights of displaced individuals. The intern will assist in monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring they align with international standards. The role requires adaptability, flexibility, and a strong eagerness to learn and contribute to the team's objectives. The intern will be involved in advocacy, training, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the national refugee and asylum system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the UNHCR Korea Protection Team, the Protection Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing information to forcibly displaced and stateless individuals by supporting the Protection Unit in responding to inquiries from asylum-seekers and refugees.
• Facilitating communication with various stakeholders, including NGOs and government counterparts.
• Conducting research on protection-related information, including Country of Origin Information (COIs).
• Assisting with the translation of documents, UNHCR materials, and communication materials from Korean to English and vice versa.
• Providing interpretation support during events as needed.
• Supporting capacity-building training for government officers involved in Refugee Status Determination.
• Participating in meetings, taking notes, and providing interpretation when required.
• Monitoring legislative and policy developments related to refugee protection.
• Offering logistical and administrative support for events such as roundtables, workshops, and public awareness campaigns. 1
• Preparing meeting minutes or summary notes as necessary. 1
• Performing additional tasks as assigned based on the intern's interests and capabilities, with work distributed according to the office's workload.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Intern position should possess the following qualifications:

• A background in law, international relations, political science, social sciences, human rights, or related fields.
• A strong interest in refugee protection, statelessness, and the international human rights agenda.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Korean and English.
• The ability to conduct legal and/or policy research and summarize complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience or coursework related to Country of Origin Information (COI), asylum, and human rights issues is considered an asset.
• Strong translation and/or interpretation skills are preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Intern position should have a relevant educational background, typically at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in fields such as law, international relations, political science, social sciences, or human rights. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee protection and the legal frameworks surrounding it.

Experience:
While prior experience in the field of refugee protection or related areas is beneficial, it is not strictly required for this internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position. However, any relevant experience, such as internships, volunteer work, or coursework related to asylum, human rights, or international relations, will be considered an asset. The intern should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic environment of UNHCR.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include excellent proficiency in both Korean and English, as the intern will be required to communicate effectively with stakeholders and translate documents. Additional language skills may be considered a plus, particularly if they relate to the regions or communities served by UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time role, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The successful candidate will be assigned to support the team at UNHCR Korea. This internship is sponsored by KOICA, and applicants must hold Korean citizenship and be between the ages of 19 and 3

• The maximum age limit for those who have served in the military will be extended based on the duration of service. The intern will receive a stipend of KRW 2,200,000 from KOICA, and any difference between this amount and the UNHCR internship allowance may be covered by UNHCR. Previous participants of the KOICA Young Professional Program are not eligible for this internship.