Internship

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices worldwide. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld and that all individuals have the right to decent work. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is known for its commitment to promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues. The organization conducts extensive research and provides technical assistance to member states to help them implement effective labor policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The internship program at the ILO offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience in an international organization while contributing to the organization's mission. Interns will engage directly in the work of the ILO, participating in the application of principles, programs, and strategies that address global labor issues. The internship is designed to enhance the intern's understanding of international labor issues and provide hands-on experience related to their field of study. Interns will work closely with various departments and offices, gaining insights into the ILO's operations and contributing to ongoing research projects. This position is particularly focused on supporting the Research Department, which conducts studies on labor and employment issues to inform policy-making and promote decent work for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: evaluating existing partnerships and identifying new potential collaborations to support the ILO's Research Agenda for 2026-29; mapping and assessing new partnerships with international organizations, think tanks, universities, and research centers; determining funding needs and proposing priorities to connect potential partners with relevant research themes; contributing to the analysis of research topics and assisting in the development of innovative policy thinking for the future of work; dedicating 10-20% of their time to administrative tasks; and collaborating with colleagues from different regions and departments to enhance research initiatives. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about resource mobilization and communication strategies within the context of international research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several qualifications to be considered for the internship. They should not have any close relatives working at the ILO, must not have previously interned at the ILO, and should be enrolled in or have completed a master's or doctoral program within the last year. A practical knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should possess strong communication skills, adaptability to an international and multicultural environment, and the ability to work effectively in a team. Familiarity with funding opportunity databases and basic statistical software such as SPSS, R, or Stata is also valued, along with proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel, Python, or Tableau.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes a focus on Social Sciences, International Development, Public Policy, Education Sciences, Communication, or related fields. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program or have completed such a program within the past year. This educational requirement ensures that interns have a solid foundation in relevant theories and practices that will be applicable during their internship.

Experience:
Candidates should have some level of experience in research and/or work related to partnership development for research or development cooperation. This experience can include internships, volunteer work, or relevant academic projects that demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage in research activities and contribute to collaborative efforts. Familiarity with MS Office, Teams, and AI tools for data analysis and project management is also beneficial.

Languages:
A practical knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the ILO's official languages. Additionally, knowledge of the other two official languages of the ILO, French and Spanish, is considered an asset. This multilingual requirement reflects the ILO's commitment to diversity and its operations in various linguistic contexts.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of 6 months, starting on either the 1st or 15th of the month. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of 2450 CHF, unless they receive funding from another institution, in which case the ILO will cover the difference to ensure the stipend remains at 2450 CHF. Additionally, interns will receive a contribution of 45 CHF per month towards medical insurance expenses during the internship period. Candidates from underrepresented or insufficiently represented member states may be eligible for financial assistance for travel expenses to Geneva. It is important to note that the ILO does not cover any personal expenses incurred during the internship and requires interns to have personal health and accident insurance valid throughout the internship. The ILO does not charge any fees during the application process and advises candidates to be cautious of fraudulent communications.