Livelihoods and Project Coordination Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established in December 1950 with a mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance to millions of individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. UNHCR's work is crucial in addressing the needs of forcibly displaced persons and ensuring their rights are upheld, while also focusing on sustainable solutions for their long-term well-being.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for a highly motivated individual who will support the Refugee Self-Reliance and Graduation team within the Development Unit of UNHCR Rwanda Operation. The intern will work closely with the Project Coordinator on the EU-funded 'Refugee Socio-Economic Graduation & Livelihood Opportunities' project. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the humanitarian-development nexus, inter-agency coordination, and the implementation of large-scale graduation models. The intern will engage in structured learning assignments that contribute to the coordination, documentation, and monitoring processes of the project, while receiving close supervision from UNHCR staff. The position is full-time and onsite, starting in July 2026, and is aimed at supporting the transition of eligible refugee households from aid dependency to self-reliance, in line with the Government of Rwanda’s Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (RGS) 2025–2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Partnership Officer / Project Coordinator. These include supporting coordination activities related to the EU-funded graduation project, conducting background research, taking notes, and tracking follow-ups. The intern will also assist in drafting progress updates, technical notes, and visibility materials that document the socio-economic profiling and initiation of livelihood activities. Additionally, the intern will prepare background materials, draft meeting notes, and organize documentation for governance and coordination meetings. The role involves compiling and organizing monitoring information related to the 'Twin-Track' targeting approach, tracking updates on Phase 2 field activities, and reviewing partner updates related to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and savings groups. The intern may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for the internship. They should either be recent graduates who have completed their studies within two years of applying or current students in a graduate or undergraduate program from an accredited university. Additionally, candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR's work. Previous UNHCR internship experience is acceptable, provided that the total cumulative full-time internship duration does not exceed eight months.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should possess an academic background in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the work undertaken by UNHCR and the specific challenges faced by displaced communities.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, familiarity with poverty graduation models, livelihoods programming, or social protection frameworks is desirable. Strong analytical skills and an interest in data management and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems will be beneficial for the intern's success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, as the intern will be required to draft clear and concise reports and briefing notes. Knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda is considered an asset, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate effectively in the local context and with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time role, with working hours from Monday to Thursday, 08:30 to 17:00, including a one-hour lunch break, and Fridays from 08:30 to 14:00, totaling 35.5 hours per week. The intern will receive a monthly allowance of 808,300 RWF for the duration of the internship, which is set for six months. Candidates are responsible for acquiring and renewing visas, residence permits, and obtaining medical certification. They must also provide proof of funding from their sponsoring institution, health insurance coverage, and a certificate of good health. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.