Protection and Solutions Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. The agency's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country. The organization operates in multiple countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, focusing on protection, inclusion in national systems, and data-driven planning. UNHCR Zambia supports the Government of Zambia in creating an enabling protection environment for asylum seekers, refugees, and former refugees, promoting self-reliance and durable solutions. The organization is committed to a comprehensive refugee response approach, as outlined in the New York Declaration of 2016 and the Global Compact on Refugees of 2018, which emphasizes a collaborative effort involving the international community to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development solutions. As of March 31, 2026, the UNHCR Multi-Country Office oversees 195,839 forcibly displaced persons across Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, with a significant portion being women and children. The office is dedicated to monitoring the implementation of the 1951 Convention and advocating for progressive changes in policies and practices to enhance the protection environment for refugees and former refugees.

Job Overview:
The Protection and Solutions Intern will be placed in the Zambia Multi-Country Office in Lusaka, specifically within the Protection Unit. This internship presents a valuable opportunity for practical learning and professional development in an international protection context. The intern will gain hands-on experience in supporting UNHCR’s efforts related to refugee protection, inclusion in national systems, and coordination with government entities and partners. The role will involve developing skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, data handling, and program support, while also deepening the intern's understanding of international refugee law and protection principles. The intern will contribute meaningfully to ongoing operations and build a strong foundation for a future career in humanitarian or development work. The position focuses on advancing key protection priorities, particularly in areas such as law and policy, access to justice, statelessness, and legal integration. The intern will engage in policy development and operational implementation, working closely with government counterparts, partners, and other stakeholders. The role requires a high degree of organization, initiative, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. This internship offers exposure to protection policy processes and stakeholder engagement within a complex operational context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting the coordination and follow-up of protection activities across assigned workstreams; monitoring progress against agreed actions, timelines, and commitments; drafting correspondence, briefing notes, summaries, and internal reports; assisting in the preparation and documentation of meetings, workshops, and consultations; reviewing and summarizing legal, policy, and program documents; contributing to internal reporting processes, including weekly and annual reporting; engaging with government counterparts, partners, and other stakeholders; maintaining organized records, contact lists, and document management systems; and providing administrative and coordination support to the Protection Unit as required. The intern will play a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and coordination across teams, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the Protection Unit's operations.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet the following criteria: they should be either a recent graduate (having completed their studies within two years of applying) or a current student in a graduate or undergraduate program from a university or higher education institution 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 important 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. Desirable qualifications include a strong command of English at a B2 level, a university degree (or ongoing studies) in law, international relations, public policy, or a related field, and strong written communication and drafting skills. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks are essential, as is the capacity to work independently and follow up proactively. Strong attention to detail and analytical skills are also important, along with familiarity with refugee protection, human rights, or development contexts, which would be considered an asset. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team are also highly valued.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree or be in the process of completing their studies in a relevant field such as law, international relations, public policy, or a related discipline. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the internship, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge to support the practical aspects of the role. Additionally, candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies to qualify for the internship.

Experience:
The internship is designed for individuals who are either recent graduates or current students, meaning that formal work experience is not a prerequisite. However, any relevant experience in areas such as refugee protection, human rights, or development work would be advantageous. The role is intended to provide practical experience and professional development opportunities, so candidates should be eager to learn and contribute to the work of UNHCR.

Languages:
The primary language requirement for this position is English, which must be at a B2 level. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and drafting of documents. While English is the mandatory language, familiarity with additional languages, particularly those relevant to the refugee populations served by UNHCR, would be considered a valuable asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time internship position with working hours from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8 am to 1:30 pm on Fridays, totaling 37.5 hours per week. Interns who do not receive financial support from an external party will receive an allowance to help cover food, local transportation, and living expenses. The intern allowance is set at 70% of the monthly net salary of the GS level 3 step 1, amounting to 26,484.16 ZMW (approximately $971 per month). Travel reimbursement is available for interns coming from outside the country, covering the costs of their outward and return travel to/from the duty station by the most economical route available in economy class. Internships typically last between two to six months, with the possibility of extension up to eight months for full-time internships and twelve months for part-time internships. Candidates are responsible for acquiring and renewing visas, residence permits, and obtaining medical certification, as well as complying with taxation requirements. Selected candidates must provide proof of health insurance coverage applicable to the internship location and a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner. UNHCR encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and aims to provide necessary adjustments during the recruitment process. The organization values diversity and seeks to maintain an inclusive working environment, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.