Switzerland: Internship with UNHCR's Division of Programme Support and Management

Organization: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 30 Dec 2014

Full-time internship starting as soon as possible for 6 months based in UNHCR headquarters, 94, rue de Montbrillant, Geneva, Switzerland.

Under the supervision of the Director’s Office in the Division of Programme Support and Management, the intern will perform the following activities:

1. Help setting up and maintaining an online social platform Community of Practice for two of UNHCR’s most important institutional policies: UNHCR Policy on Alternatives to Camps and UNHCR Policy on Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Areas, in order topromote expanded partnership models and systematic sharing and exchanging of new ideas, approaches, tools and good practices.
2. Draft and design information material on new user-friendly tools and approaches developed by UNHCR’s Division of Programme Support and Management to help UNHCR operations provide better protection, assistance and solutions to refugees.
3. Gather and analyse data from UNHCR field operations through the Diagnostic Tool on Alternatives to Camps, in order to provide an overall picture of where UNHCR’s implementation of the policy.
4. Liaise with a large number of primarily internal stakeholders in the field and HQ.

What we offer:

The selected candidate will obtain first-hand experience working in a dynamic UN organization and gain insights into the development of emergency and longer-term solutions for refugees and other displaced populations. (S)he will substantially contribute to the implementation of UNHCR policies of institutional importance.(S)he will also gain insight around health, environment, livelihoods, shelter, information management and other technical sectors both in UNHCR and in the wider humanitarian community.

Requirements:

• Graduate studies completed (communications, public relations, design, international relations or related area)
• Excellent command of English with very good writing and editing skills
• Strong and proven experience in survey-based data collection and analysis
• Strong and proven desktop publishing and design skills
• Excellent IT skills (Excel, online survey platforms, social media design and related)
• Strong interest in development/humanitarian issues
• Ability to work well in team and multicultural environment
• Knowledge of other UN languages an asset

Remarks:

• United Nations interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
• Visa: The intern will be responsible for obtaining and financing the necessary visas.
• Travel: The intern will arrange and finance the travel to the United Nations location where the internship will be completed.
• Medical insurance: The intern will be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship and must show proof of a valid medical insurance coverage.

UNHCR is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect displaced persons and stateless persons worldwide. Within UNHCR, DPSM works to provide the knowledge, guidance, tools, strategies and policies necessary to design and deliver quality and innovative programmes. Read more about UNHCR and the Alternatives to Camps Policy.

How to apply:

Please send an email with your CV and cover letter to HQATC@unhcr.org and olsen@unhcr.org by 30 December 2014.