Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR Representation in France was established on October 1, 195

• Its mission is to provide advice and advocacy to French institutions and to inform and raise awareness among the general public, benefiting individuals under its mandate. The organization operates in various capacities, focusing on legal and political affairs related to asylum in France, including overseas territories, and ensuring compliance with European Union law and international protection standards. The UNHCR engages in regular dialogue with competent authorities and contributes to advocacy activities regarding asylum policy in France, particularly concerning the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, resettlement, and the development of legal pathways to protection. The organization collaborates closely with institutional and associative partners, as well as the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Europe.

Job Overview:
The Protection Intern will support the Legal and Political Affairs Unit in its activities related to legal analysis, advocacy, and institutional coordination, particularly concerning asylum procedures in France, European Union law, and the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact. The intern will work under the supervision of a legal advisor and will be involved in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of the UNHCR in France. This position is ideal for recent graduates or students pursuing higher education in relevant fields, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience in a significant international organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include contributing to the implementation of initial and ongoing training for members of the National Asylum Court (CNDA), conducting legal research, and drafting analytical notes related to asylum law and procedures in France, including overseas territories, as well as European Union law. The intern will monitor legislative, jurisprudential, and political developments in asylum matters, particularly in relation to the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. Additionally, the intern will assist in preparing meetings, events, and external interventions, including writing reports and summary notes. Participation in cross-cutting activities of the Unit will also be expected, as well as involvement in status verifications in first asylum countries for applicants. Other duties may be assigned as needed by the Protection Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be recent graduates (i.e., individuals who have completed their studies within the two years preceding their application for the UNHCR internship) or currently pursuing higher education at a university or higher education institution recognized by UNESCO. A minimum of two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field or one that is of interest to the organization's work (such as human rights law, public international law, international relations, or political science) is required. Candidates should possess in-depth knowledge of the asylum procedure in France and the actors involved, as well as strong writing skills in both French and English. Analytical, research, and synthesis capabilities are essential, along with organizational skills, methodical work habits, and attention to detail. Autonomy, responsiveness, and adaptability are also important traits for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed or ongoing degree in a relevant field such as human rights law, public international law, international relations, or political science. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a pertinent area, demonstrating a solid understanding of the legal and political frameworks surrounding asylum and refugee protection.

Experience:
The position is aimed at recent graduates or students who are in the process of completing their higher education. Therefore, prior professional experience is not strictly required, but familiarity with legal research and analysis, as well as an understanding of asylum procedures, will be advantageous. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in a professional setting, allowing candidates to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of refugee protection and asylum law.

Languages:
The internship requires a minimum of C2 proficiency in French and a minimum of B2 proficiency in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Candidates should be able to understand virtually everything they read or hear in French, summarize facts and arguments coherently, and express themselves fluently and precisely. For English, candidates should be able to understand the essential content of complex texts, communicate spontaneously and fluently with native speakers, and express clear and detailed opinions on a wide range of subjects.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a full-time position requiring 40 hours of work per week. The initial duration of the internship is until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal until April 2027 for a total of six months. The ideal start date for the internship is October 19, 202

• Interns who do not receive financial support from third organizations will receive a stipend to help partially cover food, local transportation, and living expenses, currently set at approximately €1480 per month. It is important to note that applying for an internship or any other position at UNHCR does not require any payment at any stage of the process, from application submission to potential recruitment. For any questions regarding the recruitment process, candidates are encouraged to contact the administrative service via email.