Protection/Community-Based Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other partners to deliver humanitarian assistance and uphold international protection standards.

Job Overview:
The Protection/Community-Based Protection Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of community engagement, protection monitoring, and accountability activities. This position requires a motivated and proactive individual who is empathetic and committed to the principles of protection. The intern will work closely with UNHCR staff and partner organizations to facilitate communication with communities, particularly those of refugees and asylum seekers. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. An interest in humanitarian work, forced displacement, human rights, and community-driven approaches is essential for success in this role. The intern will be involved in various activities aimed at enhancing the protection and well-being of affected communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, the intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting community engagement and communication with communities (CwC) by assisting in organizing information sessions, awareness activities, and outreach initiatives with refugee and asylum-seeking communities; contributing to protection monitoring through data collection, documentation of trends, and follow-up on identified protection concerns; assisting in strengthening Accountability to Affected People (AAP) by compiling feedback received through community channels and supporting analysis for timely action; supporting community structures such as committees, youth groups, and women’s groups in identifying protection risks, developing community-led solutions, and enhancing the inclusion of persons with specific needs; contributing to information management tasks, including drafting community updates, supporting service mapping, and maintaining up-to-date outreach records; assisting in preparing reports, minutes, presentations, and briefing notes related to protection and community-based protection activities; and providing administrative and logistical support for field missions, meetings, workshops, and capacity-building sessions as required.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications: proficiency in English as the first required language, with French and Arabic being strong assets; a strong interest in protection, community-based approaches, and communication with communities; excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with diverse communities; good analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize qualitative information; the ability to work in a multicultural environment, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach; good organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively; and familiarity with tools such as MS Office, Kobo/ODK, WhatsApp-based communication, or other digital engagement platforms is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
While specific educational requirements are not detailed in the job description, candidates are typically expected to be pursuing or have completed a degree in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field. A background in community development, human rights, or protection-related studies would be beneficial for this internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position.

Experience:
This internship position does not require prior work experience, making it suitable for recent graduates or students currently enrolled in relevant academic programs. However, any volunteer work, internships, or academic projects related to humanitarian work, community engagement, or protection issues will be considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of French and Arabic is considered a strong asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will facilitate better engagement with diverse communities and enhance the intern's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This internship is categorized under the family staff member/affiliate type and is not applicable for home-based work. The target start date for this position is May 1, 2026, and the application deadline is set for March 26, 202

• The position is not remote, and candidates should be prepared to work on-site in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Additional information regarding compensation, benefits, and contract duration may be provided during the interview process.