UNHCR Legal Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international refugee law and human rights, and it aims to provide protection and solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons.

Job Overview:
The UNHCR Legal Fellow position is a full-time role within the Protection and Solutions Unit (PSU) at UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Washington, D.C. This fellowship is designed for post-graduate law students or recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in the field of refugee law and international human rights. The fellowship will last for one year, starting in September 2027, and will provide fellows with the opportunity to engage in various legal and policy-related activities that support UNHCR's strategic objectives. Each fellow will work closely with the PSU team to develop a tailored portfolio of work that aligns with their professional development goals while contributing to the organization's mission of protecting forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The role will involve analyzing legal frameworks, providing comments on proposed legislation, and engaging in advocacy efforts to align domestic asylum systems with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNHCR Legal Fellow include conducting legal research and analysis on issues related to asylum, refugee law, and statelessness; drafting legal documents, including amicus briefs and policy recommendations; monitoring and reporting on protection conditions for asylum-seekers and refugees; assisting in the development of training materials and presentations on statelessness; collaborating with stakeholders to promote best practices in refugee protection; and providing direct support to individuals navigating the asylum process. Additionally, fellows will be expected to participate in team meetings, contribute to strategic discussions, and engage in outreach activities to raise awareness about refugee issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNHCR Legal Fellow position must be either a 2027 degree candidate or a recent graduate from a U.S. law school. They should have completed coursework in international law, refugee law, and/or human rights, with additional coursework in U.S. immigration law being preferable. Experience in the immigration and refugee field, particularly through legal clinics or direct service with asylum-seekers, is highly valued. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills, strong research and legal analysis abilities, and be detail-oriented. The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize effectively with minimal supervision is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school. Candidates should have a strong academic record and relevant coursework in international law, refugee law, and human rights. Additional training or certifications in immigration law or related fields may be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in the immigration and refugee sector, ideally through internships, legal clinics, or volunteer work that involves direct interaction with asylum-seekers or refugees. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated a commitment to public interest law and have a clear understanding of the challenges faced by displaced persons.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is essential for fellows working on U.S. southern border and protection policy issues in the Americas, and it is highly desirable for other areas of work. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the populations served by UNHCR is considered an asset, but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The UNHCR Legal Fellowship is a one-year, full-time position that begins in September 202

• Candidates must secure external funding for the duration of the fellowship, as UNHCR does not provide financial support. Applicants are responsible for their housing, legal stay in the United States, health insurance, and any other necessary documentation. The fellowship does not create an expectation of employment with UNHCR after its conclusion. Candidates should apply through the UNHCR jobs portal and submit a cover letter, writing sample, and other required documentation. Applications will be accepted until October 27, 2026, at 5:59 p.m. EDT.