Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization offering this internship is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195
  • Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote lasting solutions for those who have been forcibly displaced. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on providing protection and assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, working tirelessly to ensure their safety and dignity.

Job Overview:
The internship position is designed to provide hands-on experience in supporting various aspects of the programme cycle within UNHCR. The intern will play a crucial role in assisting the team with managing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and facilitating both internal and external communication as needed. This role will cover specific tasks outlined in the duties and responsibilities section, offering valuable insights into programme management methodologies. The intern will develop essential skills in coordination, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how a Programme and Operations Management Unit contributes to the overall success of the organization. The internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their professional skills while contributing to meaningful work that impacts the lives of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the operations of the Programme and Operations Management Unit. Key duties include:
  • Supporting the oversight of Operations’ compliance with programme cycle requirements to ensure that all activities align with established guidelines.
  • Assisting in monitoring project compliance and performance metrics to ensure that objectives are met effectively.
  • Collecting and analyzing project data to assess progress, identify challenges, and suggest improvements for future initiatives.
  • Supporting the documentation process related to the quality assurance of partnership agreements, ensuring that all agreements meet organizational standards.
  • Participating in meetings, documenting key takeaways, and following up on action items to ensure accountability and progress.
  • Maintaining the unit’s documentation, including taking meeting notes, collecting and consolidating reports, and providing status updates.
  • Assisting in the preparation of project status reports and presentations to communicate progress to stakeholders.
  • Taking stock of post-distribution monitoring conducted by country operations and supporting the quality assurance and analysis of findings.
  • Offering general administrative assistance, such as scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and organizing project-related activities. 1
  • Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall objectives of the unit.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • Be a recent graduate who has completed their studies within the last two years or a current student enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at a university or higher education institution accredited by IAU/UNESCO.
  • Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to the work of UNHCR, such as international relations, social sciences, or humanitarian studies. Additionally, desirable qualifications and skills include proficiency in office suite applications, strong research and writing abilities, critical thinking skills, and adaptability to changing environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern possesses the foundational knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to the team and understand the complexities of the work undertaken by UNHCR.

Experience:
This internship does not require prior professional experience, making it an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or current students to gain practical experience in the field of humanitarian work and programme management. However, any relevant volunteer work or internships in related fields would be considered an asset.

Languages:
While the position does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions served by UNHCR, would be considered a valuable asset and enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is categorized as a family staff member/affiliate type and is not applicable for home-based work. The target start date for the internship is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is April 6, 202
  • The position is not remote, requiring the intern to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in a reputable international organization while contributing to meaningful humanitarian efforts.
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