The UNHCR Internship Programme High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has opened applications for its Internship Programme, offering students and recent graduates from around the world the opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
The programme provides hands-on exposure to refugee protection, humanitarian assistance, policy development, operations, research, communications, administration, logistics, information technology, finance, legal affairs, and many other areas that support UNHCR’s mission to protect and assist people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and violence.
About the UNHCR Internship Programme
UNHCR’s Internship Programme is designed for talented, motivated, and passionate students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining professional experience within the United Nations system while contributing to meaningful humanitarian work.
Interns become part of multicultural teams working to improve the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless people across the globe.
Internship Locations
Internship opportunities are available at:
- UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
- Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen
- Regional offices
- Country offices
- Field offices worldwide
Depending on operational requirements and manager approval, some internships may also offer teleworking arrangements.
Internship Duration
Internships normally last:
- 2 to 6 months, with the possibility of extension
- Up to 8 months for full-time internships
- Up to 12 months for part-time internships
The total internship period includes any previous internships completed with UNHCR.
Financial Support
Eligible interns who are not receiving financial support from another organization receive an allowance to help cover:
- Food
- Local transportation
- Living expenses
The allowance is based on the UN salary scale and duty station.
In addition, UNHCR reimburses eligible international interns for return travel costs to and from the duty station using the most economical travel route, provided these expenses are not covered by another sponsor.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student at a university accredited by UNESCO, or have graduated within the last two years.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to UNHCR’s work.
- Have at least B2-level proficiency in English.
- Not have immediate family members employed by UNHCR.
- Not have exceeded the maximum internship period allowed by the organization.
Applications are welcomed from candidates of all nationalities.
UNHCR particularly encourages applications from individuals with refugee or stateless backgrounds, as well as candidates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Areas of Work
Internship opportunities may be available in areas including:
- Refugee Protection
- Human Rights
- International Law
- Programme Management
- Information Technology
- Data Analysis
- Communications
- Public Information
- External Relations
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Procurement
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Research
- Environment and Climate
- Community-Based Protection
- Energy and Sustainability
Benefits
Interns have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical United Nations work experience.
- Work alongside international humanitarian professionals.
- Build professional skills in a multicultural environment.
- Contribute directly to refugee protection and humanitarian operations.
- Develop a global professional network.
- Strengthen future career prospects within the UN system and international organizations.
Medical Insurance
Interns are responsible for obtaining valid medical insurance covering the entire internship period before beginning their assignment.
The insurance should include adequate medical and accident coverage throughout the duty station and, where appropriate, emergency medical evacuation.
Diversity and Inclusion
UNHCR is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications without discrimination based on:
- Nationality
- Race
- Gender
- Religion
- Disability
- Age
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
The organization values diverse perspectives and strives to create an equitable workplace for all.
Application Process
Interested candidates should:
- Create an account on the official UNHCR recruitment platform.
- Search for available internship opportunities.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload an updated CV and any required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the vacancy closing date.
New internship opportunities are published throughout the year, so applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor the UNHCR careers portal and regional office websites.
Why Apply?
A UNHCR internship offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience within the United Nations while making a meaningful contribution to one of the world’s most important humanitarian missions. Interns develop valuable professional skills, expand their international networks, and gain practical experience that can open doors to future careers within the UN system, NGOs, international organizations, and the humanitarian sector.
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