UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact.
Why a career with UNHCR?
Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines.
Disability inclusion
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.
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UNHCR’s Multi-Country Representation in Canberra is responsible for the promotion and protection of refugee rights in the region which includes Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The Legal Protection Unit works predominantly with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, as well as other partners to ensure all persons of concern to UNHCR receive protection, assistance and durable solutions.
The Legal Protection intern reports to the Assistant Protection Officer and works closely with the Protection Contractor. The position focuses on legal and policy work encompassing many aspects of legal protection of refugees, stateless people, and others within the scope of UNHCR’s mandate.
Duties and Responsibilities
Handle individual case queries, including calls, emails and letters from refugees, asylum seekers and individuals within UNHCR’s mandate;
Liaise with UNHCR colleagues around the world and a range of other domestic and international actors in order to provide appropriate support, information and advice to persons contacting UNHCR;
Prepare and participate in refugee law and protection training activities;
Support the drafting of reports, meeting minutes, briefing notes and background papers on matters relevant to UNHCR protection activities
Participate in and report from seminars, meetings and other events relevant to the organisation.
Undertake independent research on issues relevant to domestic or international asylum legislation, policy and practice;
Assist in the preparation of legal interventions;
Assist with mission planning and preparation, including drafting briefing materials;
Assist with maintaining up to date information on UNHCR Website; and
Support the daily running of the office and in particular of the Legal Protection Unit, including administrative support.
Minimum qualifications required
Applicants must be recent graduates or have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in law, international relations or related field(s); and
Have experience and/or a demonstrated interest in asylum and refugee protection or human rights.
Candidates must be Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents at the closing date of the vacancy and be located in (or willing to relocate at their own expense to) Canberra. Please note that UNHCR is unable to sponsor work visas or provide relocation assistance
The total monthly salary for the position which covers (Intern Food & Transportation) will be AUD 2,261.38 only
