UNHCR Protection 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 120 countries and employs a vast number of staff dedicated to addressing the needs of forcibly displaced individuals. UNHCR's work is crucial as millions of people are forced to flee their homes each year due to conflict and persecution, and the agency utilizes its extensive expertise to provide protection and care for these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Intern will be part of the Protection Team at the Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa, located in Nairobi. This full-time internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of refugee protection and human rights. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Protection Officer and will engage in various activities aimed at supporting legal frameworks and law reform in the region. The role is designed to help the intern develop essential skills such as research, analysis, and drafting in the context of protection and solutions for forcibly displaced and stateless populations. The intern will also gain exposure to multi-stakeholder environments, including collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, thereby enhancing their understanding of how international organizations operate in complex political, legal, and social contexts. This internship is an excellent stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a career in refugee protection, international law, human rights, or humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting legal, policy, and protection research and analysis on issues related to forced displacement, statelessness, asylum systems, human rights, and durable solutions; supporting the collection, compilation, analysis, and visualization of data pertinent to statelessness and human rights compliance; assisting in the preparation of reports, briefing notes, presentations, and other analytical products for senior management and external stakeholders; drafting communication and advocacy materials related to protection and statelessness; monitoring developments in national laws and policies; supporting assessments and reporting on durable solutions; and assisting in the planning and documentation of meetings and events. These duties are integral to the Protection Team's mission of enhancing legal frameworks and ensuring the integrity of protection processes.

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 the last two years 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. Desirable qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in law, international relations, social sciences, or a related field, along with knowledge of UNHCR’s work, particularly in statelessness prevention and durable solutions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a recent graduate or a current student in a relevant field of study. Candidates should have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies, which provides a foundational understanding of the legal and social issues related to forced displacement and human rights. A Bachelor’s degree in law, international relations, or social sciences is preferred, as it aligns closely with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
The position does not require extensive prior experience, but candidates should have a foundational understanding of the relevant fields. The internship is designed for individuals who are either recent graduates or current students, thus emphasizing the importance of academic knowledge and the potential for growth rather than extensive professional experience. This role is particularly suited for those looking to gain practical experience in the humanitarian sector and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the international nature of UNHCR's work. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions served by UNHCR, would be considered an asset and could enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position with working hours from 08:00 am to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 am to 14:00 on Fridays, totaling 40 hours per week. Interns who do not receive financial support from an external source will receive an allowance to help cover living expenses, including food and transportation. It is important to note that individuals with close family ties to current UNHCR staff members are not eligible for this internship.