Intern - Human Resources
Assist the Regional Human Resources Unit with administrative processes.
Overview
Assist the Regional Human Resources Unit with administrative processes.
You have:
- Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Psychology, Business Administration or related field from an accredited institution.
- Fluency in English is required (oral and written).
- Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
- Experience in maintaining and updating databases is an asset.
- Experience in preparing reports and meeting minutes is an asset.
- Experience with SharePoint is an advantage.
- Must be between 20 and 36 years old.
- Should have less than two years of relevant working experience.
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
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. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
b) are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
c) are sponsored by governmental/non governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
d) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
e) are between 20 and 36 years of age.
Background Information
The Regional Human Resources Unit is responsible for a wide range of functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, compliance and ensure consistency in HR practices. Also providing guidance and support on regional-specific issues.
Supervision
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Management and direct supervision of the Regional Human Resources Business Partner, the Intern – Human Resources will assist and provide support in the administrative processes to the Regional Human Resources Unit.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Applicants must satisfy one of the following educational criteria
- Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Psychology, Business Administration or related field from an accredited institution; or,
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or graduated within the last 12 months with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Psychology, Business Administration or related field from an accredited institution.
Experience
- Experience in maintaining and updating databases is an asset;
- Experience in preparing reports and meeting minutes is an asset; and,
- Experience with SharePoint is an advantage.
Skills
- Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things;
- Computer literacy, especially database tools and strong Excel knowledge;
- Strong organizational skills;
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds;
- Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines; and,
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work independently.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- 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.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- 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 actions 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
This internship opportunity is part of IOM’s 2026 Global Access Internship Programme, which is a sub-set of IOM’s regular internship programme. The main condition to be eligible for this opportunity is that applicants be citizens of Member States not represented or with lower representation in IOM, as of June 2026. Additionally, IOM strongly encourages applications from persons with disabilities from those nationalities as well as other minorities. If you would like to explore all vacancies that are part of the programme and more details, please go to: Internship programme | International Organization for Migration.
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
- Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
- Candidates are also encouraged to research and study the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
- For this programme, IOM will also provide travel arrangements and will cover visa-related costs.
- Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and alignment with core competencies. The evaluation process may include written assessment, and/or interview.
Notes
Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by their university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.
IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the internship. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Provide clerical assistance for the smooth running of the Human Resources processes and activities in the office.
- Maintain orderly and up-to-date personnel files and related documentation within the Regional Human Resources Unit.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of the Regional Office’s onboarding platform by gathering relevant materials, drafting proposed updates, and maintaining content on SharePoint.
- Provide general assistance in recruitment processes including but not limited to circulation of vacancy announcements, interview invitations, preparation of materials necessary for the interviews and technical test, support with reference checks, sending out messages to candidates, etc.
- Support the organization of meetings, training activities and other Human Resources events by carrying out logistical activities such as arrangement of meeting facilities, equipment, materials, preparation of correspondence and drafting and assembling of documents.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Learning Objectives
- Build knowledge of regional human resources functions by supporting various HR processes.
- Strengthen recruitment skills by assisting with vacancy announcements, interview coordination, reference checks, and communication with candidates.
- Improve organizational and document management skills by maintaining orderly and up-to-date personnel files and related HR documentation.
- Develop coordination and event support skills by assisting in the organization of different activities.
Training Components and Learning Elements
- Be exposed to the activities of IOM in the duty station.
- Gain understanding about the IOM and the UN System and its processes.
- Learn technical skills.
- Be able to prove their dedication, skills, and capacity to work in an international setting as part of a diverse and international team.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you supported a team in an organizational process? | The interviewer is looking to understand your teamwork skills and how you contributed to achieving goals. | Provide a specific example of your involvement, emphasizing cooperation and results. |
| How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines? | The interviewer wants to see your organizational and time management skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe how you handle conflicting priorities. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Why do you want to intern with IOM, and what do you hope to gain? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss your experience with databases or data management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay organized while working on multiple tasks? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |