The UNHCR Office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein offers attractive internships with the legal/protection unit and the external relations unit. The internships are available throughout the year and last six months.
The Office acts as a country office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We work closely with the Swiss authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), refugees and other relevant actors in Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the protection of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. We also seek to support governments to find durable solutions for refugees.
External Relations Internship, located in Berne
Main responsibilities
• Assist with the compilation of a daily press review.
• Assist with the development and implementation of awareness raising activities.
• Support our cooperation with institutions, companies, media, etc.
• Draft articles and other texts.
• Do research and translation work.
• Support the website and social media activities.
• Support the organisation of events.
• Perform other tasks as required.
Selection criteria
In order to be considered eligible for an internship, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
• Be a recent graduate or current student in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by IAU/UNESCO.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in media, international relations or related studies and have a particular interest in refugee protection.
• Not have exhausted the maximum cumulative internship period with UNHCR, including any prior internships (8 months for full-time and 12 months for part-time).
• Excellent knowledge of English, as well as German AND French (minimum B2 level).
• Strong drafting skills.
• Good general working knowledge of communication and public relations principles and methods.
• Working knowledge of design tools (Canva), social media and newsletter platforms.
• Knowledge of the Swiss media landscape is an advantage.
What makes this position attractive
Our interns are part of a small but dynamic team and benefit from individual supervision. They are involved in day-to-day tasks, but are also entrusted with specific longer and shorter term projects. It is important for us that interns profit from the given tasks and learn more about UNHCR’s mandate and activities. There is also the possibility of hybrid working, i.e. a combination of teleworking and on-site presence at the office in Berne.
Allowance
Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party receive an allowance of 2748 CHF/month.
They are expected to make their own arrangements for travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses during the internship period. Please be aware that this internship does not carry any expectation or entitlement to employment with UNHCR at the conclusion of the internship or at any time thereafter.
Application
Please apply through UNHCR careers page: JR2552403 External Relations Intern. The deadline for application is 26 January 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test.
The successful candidate would ideally start on 26 March 2025.
We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training.
We look forward to your application!