UNHCR Ireland invites applications for a full time internship with the Protection Unit. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ("UNHCR") was established on 14 December 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn about UNHCR's work and mandate at the international level, in the EU and in Ireland. The successful candidate will also receive on-the-job training and complete self-study modules, including self-study learning on International Refugee Law for the protection internship.
Description of Internship in the Protection Unit
Main function: Providing support to the Protection Unit
Period: From 7 June 2011 to 7 December 2011
Duration: Six months; Monday to Friday (9.00 - 5.30) full time
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Remuneration: The internship is unpaid
Key duties and responsibilities:
o Providing support to the daily running of the office and in particular to the Protection Unit
o Addressing individual queries as needed
o Drafting letters/emails
o Summarising court decisions
o Tracking relevant case law (internationally and in Ireland)
o Monitoring Irish legislation
o Compiling statistics
o Administrative tasks (filing, taking minutes....)
o Others as agreed
Knowledge, experience, skills relevant for position:
o Ability to work as part of a team
o Analytical skills and drafting skills
o Strong verbal communication and writing skills in English
o Good intercultural communication skills
o Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web skills
o Knowledge of Irish society and political climate
Graduates with a background in refugee law, human rights law, international humanitarian law,
public international law, international relations, development studies or other social science
disciplines are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications for Internship is 25 May 2011. Interviews for this position will take place w/c 30 May 2011
Interested candidates should send a current CV and covering letter by email to the following address: IREDU@unhcr.org. The subject line of the email should read: Application for Protection Internship/followed by your initials.
Applicants should clearly state all of the following in their covering letter:
o their availability to commence the internship on the start date indicated;
o their awareness of the conditions of the internship as set out in the internship position
o notice; and,
o their entitlement to reside in Ireland.
The details of the internships are also available on the UNHCR website here.