The UNHCR Office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein is offering a full-time internship for the duration of a minimum of three to a maximum of six months.
The Office acts as a country office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and works 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.
Title: External Relations Intern
Duty Station: Bern, Switzerland
Duration: minimum of three to up to six months
Contract Type: Internship (Full time)
Closing date for application: 28 July 2025
Earliest Hire Date: 1 September 2025
Target End date: 28 February 2026
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.
- Review, finalise and format texts of the team.
- Support the website and social media activities.
- Support the organisation of events.
- Respond to telephone calls.
- Perform other tasks as required.
Selection criteria
In order to be considered eligible for an internship, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
- Be either 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 is an advantage.
- 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: JR2558027 External Relations Intern. The deadline for application is 28 July 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test.
The successful candidate would ideally start on 1 September 2025.
We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.
Acquiring and renewing current visas, residence permits including all associated costs, obtaining medical certification and compliance with taxation requirements (if applicable), are the responsibility of the intern.
The selected candidate will need to provide UNHCR with a proof of health insurance coverage applicable to the assigned internship location and a certificate of good health from a qualified medical practitioner certifying their fitness for work and travel. In the event the selected candidate is not able to produce the required certificates, they will not be admitted to the Internship Programme.
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If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form.
There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request.
All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.
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!
