Internship Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, focusing on the humane and orderly management of migration and the promotion of international cooperation on migration issues. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration benefits all, and it works to harness the potential of migration for development, while also addressing the challenges that arise from it. The organization is committed to creating a workplace culture that fosters diversity, inclusion, and respect for all employees, ensuring that they can thrive professionally while contributing to the organization's goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme at IOM is designed to attract talented students and recent graduates who have a keen interest in migration-related issues. Interns are expected to be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant work experience. The program aims to provide practical experience in areas relevant to IOM's work, allowing interns to gain insights into the organization's operations and contribute to its mission. Interns will work under the supervision of senior staff in IOM Bern, assisting in various tasks related to migration management, communication, and project implementation. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of international migration and develop their professional skills in a supportive environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be involved in a variety of tasks, including assisting in the general operations related to assisted voluntary returns and reintegration. This includes close cooperation with IOM offices in countries of return, Swiss return counselors, and relevant Swiss authorities. Interns will follow up on cases and files of assisted voluntary returns, manage administrative tasks such as filing and archiving, and process information requests. They will also assist in communication projects, preparing background documents, updating communication materials, and managing the IOM Bern website. Additionally, interns will support the implementation of Swiss resettlement programs, prepare for the arrival of refugee groups, and ensure effective communication between countries of departure and arrival. They will work on individual cases related to the Swiss Family Reunification and Humanitarian Visa program, prepare reports and statistics, and attend relevant meetings and conferences. Other duties may include planning events focused on information dissemination and networking.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a specific interest in migration issues, which can be reflected in their academic studies or through relevant experiences. They should be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level) or have graduated within the last 12 months. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years of age and should possess less than two years of relevant work experience. A strong commitment to IOM's values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy is essential. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong teamwork skills, the ability to deliver results, and effective communication capabilities.

Educational Background:
A university degree at the Bachelor or Master level in Social or Political Science, International Relations, or a related field is required for this internship position. This educational background will provide interns with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to engage effectively with the complex issues surrounding migration and the operations of IOM.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant experience within the field of migration will be considered an advantage. This could include internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to understanding migration dynamics and the challenges faced by migrants.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of German, French, and English is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates can effectively communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is subject to funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for appointment. Interns may receive a small monthly stipend to help offset costs, but those receiving financial remuneration or credits from their university or other sponsoring bodies will not be eligible for this stipend. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses for interns, but they must secure their own medical insurance for non-occupational incidents. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system, which also allows candidates to track their application status.