Protection Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, with a mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization works to safeguard the rights of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence, and strives to provide them with the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives. UNHCR Korea specifically engages with various stakeholders, including the government and civil society, to improve the domestic asylum system and treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers.

Job Overview:
The Protection Intern at UNHCR Korea plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's efforts to advocate for the rights of forcibly displaced individuals. This position involves engaging with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to enhance the domestic asylum system and ensure that asylum-seekers and refugees can fully exercise their rights. The intern will assist in monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring they align with international standards. The role requires adaptability, flexibility, and a strong eagerness to learn and contribute to the team's objectives. The intern will be involved in various activities, including research, communication, and capacity-building training, all aimed at improving the protection framework for refugees and asylum-seekers in South Korea.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the UNHCR Korea Protection Team, the Protection Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing information to forcibly displaced and stateless individuals by supporting the Protection Unit in responding to inquiries from asylum-seekers and refugees.
• Facilitating communication with various stakeholders, including NGOs and government counterparts.
• Conducting research on protection-related information, including Country of Origin Information (COIs).
• Assisting with the translation of documents, UNHCR materials, and communication materials from Korean to English and vice versa.
• Providing interpretation support during events as needed.
• Supporting capacity-building training for government officers involved in Refugee Status Determination.
• Participating in meetings, taking notes, and providing interpretation when required.
• Monitoring legislative and policy developments related to refugee protection.
• Offering logistical and administrative support for events such as roundtables, workshops, and public awareness campaigns. 1
• Preparing meeting minutes or summary notes as necessary. 1
• Performing additional tasks based on the intern's interests and capabilities, with work distributed according to the office's workload.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Intern position should possess the following qualifications:

• A background in law, international relations, political science, social sciences, human rights, or related fields.
• A strong interest in refugee protection, statelessness, and the international human rights agenda.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Korean and English.
• The ability to conduct legal and/or policy research and summarize complex information clearly and organized.
• Experience or coursework related to COI, asylum, and human rights issues is considered an asset.
• Strong translation and/or interpretation skills are preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multicultural team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Intern position should have a relevant educational background, ideally in fields such as law, international relations, political science, social sciences, or human rights. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively engage with the complex issues surrounding refugee protection and human rights.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be mandatory, any relevant experience or coursework related to refugee protection, asylum processes, or human rights issues will be considered advantageous. The intern should demonstrate a strong interest in these areas and a willingness to learn and grow within the role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include excellent proficiency in both Korean and English, as the intern will be required to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and assist in translation and interpretation tasks. Additional language skills may be considered a plus but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time role, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The successful candidate will be sponsored by KOICA and will receive a stipend of KRW 2,200,000 directly from KOICA. The internship is open to Korean citizens aged between 19 and 34 years, with specific age extensions applicable for those who have served in the military. Previous participants of the KOICA Young Professional Program are not eligible for this internship.