Internships at UNHCR Regional Office Canberra

Internship opportunities are periodically offered within the Legal Protection Unit and the Public Information Unit of UNHCR’s Regional Office in Canberra. Opportunities may also arise to undertake internships through UNHCR's fundraising association, Australia for UNHCR, in Sydney, and at its Headquarters in Geneva. It should be noted that all UNHCR internships are undertaken on a purely voluntary basis and UNHCR is not able to provide remuneration or relocation assistance.

Undertaking an internship with UNHCR Canberra’s Legal Protection Unit provides an opportunity for participants to engage with current issues across the spectrum of the Unit’s operation, and to specialize in either resettlement or legal asylum issues. Legal internships with UNHCR in Canberra require a full time commitment to work in support of UNHCR for a period of at least three months. Successful applicants will usually hold, or be in the final year of study to obtain, an Australian or New Zealand law degree. Experience or a demonstrated interest in asylum issues, refugee protection, or human rights is desirable, as is current knowledge of Australian or New Zealand migration law.

A small number of internships are available in the Public Information Unit for students in fields such as international relations, journalism, and communications who have work experience or demonstrated interest in refugee and humanitarian issues. Timing and length of Public Information internships are flexible, however preference is given to candidates who can commit full-time and/or for longer periods.

A number of departments within UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva and Budapest offer internships to young people throughout the year. The duration of these internships may vary between two and six months. For more information, including contact details and how to apply, download the internships information flyer.

Australia for UNHCR, our National Fundraising Association, also takes on interns and volunteers for various administrative tasks and research projects through its Sydney office. For information on getting involved, visit Australia for UNHCR's website.

For information on career opportunities, including paid work and voluntary assignments, in the broader UN system, download the Canberra UN Information Centre flyer Careers with the United Nations or visit www.jobs.un.org.