Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)H (no hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeInternship
Target Start Date2025-09-01
Deadline for ApplicationsJuly 28, 2025
Terms of ReferenceThe 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.
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.
Allowance
Interns who do not receive financial support from an outside party receive an allowance. 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
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.
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.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages German
,French
,English
Desired Languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCanva, External Relations, Multilingualism, Refugee Protection, Social Media, Writing, Writing Newsletters
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo