Internship: International Organization for Migration
Background Information
The IOM Office to the United Nations is tasked with maintaining and strengthening IOM’s relations with the United Nations, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental organizations, including through contributing to improving understanding of migration issues, facilitating international policy dialogues on migration, and representing IOM and migration issues in conferences, meetings, and seminars.
IOM Office to the UN contributes to improving the understanding of IOM’s mandate and action by relevant governmental, UN and NGO stakeholders, in accordance with the IOM constitution, the IOM strategy adopted in 2007 and relevant council deliberations and resolutions.
The Humanitarian, Peace and Security Unit (HPSU) at the IOM Office to the UN is composed of a dedicated team of individuals specialized in humanitarian crises, forced displacement, protection and peace and security. Serving as IOM’s conduit into the international area, the IOM Office to the UN is charged with providing IOM offices worldwide with analysis and insights on issues discussed at the main organs of the UN including the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council and increasing strategic engagement.
Supervision
The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Director of the IOM Office to theUN, the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Office (Protection & PSEA), and in cooperation with
other colleagues in the Division, at IOM HQ and field Missions.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Attend and report on UN meetings of strategic importance, such as at the Security Council, the General Assembly, ECOSOC, various commissions, informal consultations among UN Member States, etc. as well as operational interagency meetings with specific focus on priority thematic issues and regions;
- Research, identify and analyse trends, policies, dynamics and positions on humanitarian, peace and security issues including with particular reference to the geographic and thematic agenda items of the Security Council, and prepare written summaries and background notes, fact sheets, reports, position papers and think pieces;
- Prepare the Weekly Update on the work of the unit, and design and support the development of
other visibility, information, or communications products, working in coordination with the Communications and Media Associate as needed; - Assist HPSU with the organization and preparation of events, briefings, presentations, and webinars etc; draft concept notes, talking points, statements; organize panel discussions, write readouts, and assist with communication activities, if applicable;
- Collect, organize, and help facilitate access to existing information on United Nations humanitarian, peace and security issues of strategic relevance to IOM; assist with knowledge management and the maintenance of internal tracking tools, databases, distribution lists, calendars etc;
- Other duties as may be assigned.
Training Components and Learning Elements
The successfully candidate will have a unique opportunity to interact with a team of experienced
humanitarian, peace and security professionals, contribute toward the development of interesting local
and global initiatives and gain in-depth experience of working with the UN Secretariat, UN agencies,
Members States on policies, programmes and funding.
Education
Master’s degree in political science, international relations, human rights or related field from an
accredited academic institution.
University degree in the above fields.
Experience
• Academic or professional experience in conducting and drafting research papers, policy, and other types of documents;
• Practical experience with designing and producing information products, visibility, and communications materials;
• Practical experience mutli-tasking, prioritizing, and working independently;
• Professional experience in the general area of migration, humanitarian crises or peace and security an advantage;
• Experience in liaising with government representatives, civil society organizations and UN entities
an advantage.
Skills
• Understanding of the broad range of humanitarian, peace and security-related areas dealt with by
IOM;
• Understanding of the UN Security Council, its mandate and working methods;
• Understanding of geographic and/or thematic issues on the agenda of the Security Council;
• Ability to draft research, analysis, and documents for diverse audiences;
• Strong organizational and planning skills and attention to detail;
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), Social Media platforms, and Graphic
Design software (InDesign, Publisher);
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and
professional backgrounds.
Languages
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.
Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
Values
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences;
encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent
with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed
manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies
– Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve
shared goals and optimize results.
– Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely
manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
– Managing and sharing knowledge:continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
– Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes
responsibility for own action and delegated work.
– Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Eligibility and Selection
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
- have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
- are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
- are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
- Are either students approaching the end of their studies and preparing a thesis, or recently graduated and if selected must commence the internship within one year of graduation.
- Are between 20 and 36 years of age.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants should already reside within the United States and be willing to relocate to the New York metro area.
Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Please consider the cost of living in New York prior to applying.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation, certification that the candidate is medically fit for
appointment, any residency or visa requirements, and education and security clearances.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter to unofficeny@iom.int by Wednesday, 3 March 2021 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
No late applications will be accepted.