Internship

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to saving lives and building better futures for millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. Established to provide protection and assistance to refugees, UNHCR operates in numerous countries across the globe, focusing on humanitarian aid and development initiatives. The organization aims to ensure that forcibly displaced individuals have access to essential services and opportunities for integration into host communities. UNHCR's mission is supported by a diverse workforce that includes professionals from various backgrounds, working collaboratively to address the challenges faced by refugees and stateless persons. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, development actors, and the private sector to promote legal and socio-economic opportunities for refugees, thereby enhancing their self-reliance and integration into society. UNHCR's Development Unit in the Regional Bureau of the Americas is particularly focused on addressing the complexities of forced displacement in the western hemisphere, from Canada to Argentina and Chile, and is engaged in innovative approaches to support refugee integration and protection.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is a vital role within the Development Unit of UNHCR's Americas bureau, focusing on the integration of refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The intern will serve as a research assistant, contributing to ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing the economic integration of displaced populations. This role involves conducting literature reviews, tracking relevant policies, and analyzing the impact of various interventions on the integration of refugees. The intern will work closely with the Economist and other team members to prepare presentations, talking points, and briefing materials that align with the unit's objectives. The position requires a proactive approach to research and analysis, as well as strong Spanish language skills to effectively engage with relevant literature and stakeholders in the region. The intern will play a crucial part in supporting UNHCR's mission to enhance the lives of forcibly displaced individuals and promote their inclusion in host communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to: tracking ongoing initiatives in LAC by development institutions such as the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and USAID that benefit refugees and migrants; contributing to a comprehensive literature review that assesses the impact of policies and interventions on refugee integration; supporting the Economist in conducting research and analysis related to the integration of displaced populations; preparing talking points, presentations, and briefing materials that reflect the focus of the Development Unit; and performing other duties as assigned to support the team's objectives. The intern will need to demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a recent graduate (having completed their studies within the last two years) or a current student in a graduate or undergraduate program at an accredited university. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR's work. Additionally, candidates with previous UNHCR internship experience must not have exceeded a total cumulative full-time internship duration of eight months. Desirable qualifications include experience in conducting research using both qualitative and quantitative methods, proficiency in Spanish, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated work ethic and team spirit.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, having completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field that aligns with the work of UNHCR. This may include areas such as international relations, social sciences, development studies, or other related disciplines. A recent graduation or current enrollment in a graduate program is also required, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in the principles and practices relevant to humanitarian work and refugee assistance.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in research and analysis within development or humanitarian settings. While specific years of experience are not mandated, any prior involvement in similar roles or internships will be considered advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with the challenges faced by refugees and the dynamics of forced displacement, as well as an understanding of the socio-economic factors that influence integration efforts.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for engaging with relevant literature and stakeholders in the LAC region. While English is also important, especially for internal communications and documentation, Spanish language skills are crucial for the successful execution of the intern's responsibilities. Additional language skills may be considered a plus, particularly if they relate to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the refugee populations being served.

Additional Notes:
This internship position can be either full-time or part-time, with working hours to be negotiated with the manager. The role is flexible, allowing for remote work options, which can accommodate candidates who may not be able to relocate. The successful candidate will be required to manage their own visa and residence permits, as well as provide proof of funding from their sponsoring institution, health insurance coverage, and a certificate of good health. The internship is unpaid, and candidates should be aware that travel expenses to and from the internship location will be the responsibility of their sponsoring institution. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.