Navigating the IOM Internship Programme: Requirements and Opportunities
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Internship Programme provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain initial work experience and knowledge on a broad range of migration technical areas and disciplines. It also allows them to learn about IOM's activities. This article details the requirements, application procedures, and overall expectations for prospective IOM interns.
Introduction to the IOM Internship Programme
The IOM Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with a platform to contribute to the field of migration while gaining practical experience. IOM provides on-the-job training to interns so that both they and the Organization can benefit. Furthermore, internships build links with academic institutions and universities. The program 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. By participating in the program, interns can assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
Eligibility Criteria for IOM Internships
To be eligible for the IOM Internship Programme, applicants must meet certain criteria. All interns must be between 19 and 36 years of age (average age is 26). IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration.
Financial Aspects: Stipends, Travel, and Insurance
While the majority of interns receive a monthly subsistence allowance (MSA), which is a monetary stipend to partially cover accommodation and living expenses, there are a few exceptions. For example, if IOM has an agreement with a university to provide internship assignments to its students as part of their coursework or when an intern is provided with funding/scholarship through their university, government or other institution. It is the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institution to arrange for travel to and from the duty station upon commencement and conclusion of the internship. All related travel expenses, including visas, will be paid by the intern or sponsoring institution. Locally recruited interns who are nationals of the country where their duty station is located must also show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship. IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses.
Application Process and Important Considerations
There is no specific time of the year for sending your application for an internship. As mentioned, please feel free to register by submitting your profile here. Do not forget to “release” your profile within the system for our review. If you were granted (or may be granted) a scholarship or your internship is a mandatory requirement for completing your studies, you should specify this in your cover letter, as well as the exact dates of the proposed internship. Remember to attach a letter from your sponsor or university confirming the purpose of the assignment as well as the amount of your grant. Unless otherwise specified, applications should be written in one of the IOM official languages (English, French, and Spanish). we can't meet with you to talk about internship opportunities. unless specified, we do not need copies of your diplomas. we will only contact you if we are considering you for an interview or a test. For internships in our field offices, you can send your application directly to the office you are interested in and copy the Staffing Unit in the cc line.
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Online Application System
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. To start the online application process, job applicants are required to register online in order to obtain a personal account number. After opening the account and completing in the online application form, applicants may add a motivation letter, a copy of their CV, personal history form or any other documentation in support of their application. Once you provide all information, please go to the tab 'Profile Release' and release the profile so it can be available for IOM's review. Once the application has been submitted, it will be processed. Candidates may track the status of their application at any time.
Where to Apply
For internships in IOM Country Offices, please send your application directly to the specific office in which you are interested in working. For advertised internships at IOM Geneva (Headquarters), please click here for the list of current internships available. In addition, please feel free to register your interest for an upcoming internship with IOM by submitting your profile here. Please do not forget to “release” your profile within the system for our review.
Key Application Tips
- Specify Funding: If you were granted (or may be granted) a scholarship or your internship is a mandatory requirement for completing your studies, you should specify this in your cover letter, as well as the exact dates of the proposed internship.
- Language Proficiency: Unless otherwise specified, applications should be written in one of the IOM official languages (English, French, and Spanish).
- Profile Release: Once you provide all information, please go to the tab 'Profile Release' and release the profile so it can be available for IOM's review.
- Direct Applications: For internships in IOM Country Offices, send your application directly to the specific office you are interested in working.
Expectations and Responsibilities
IOM evaluates interns who may eventually be considered for future external vacancies and/or short-term assignments. Interns should view this as a learning experience rather than the means to secure a job with IOM.
Competency Framework
IOM’s competency framework emphasizes:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication.
Internship Duties
Assist in specific projects in the field of communication, such as preparing background documents and update existing communication material of different programs within IOM Bern.
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Opportunities for Volunteers
Through UN Volunteers. Basic requirements for Online volunteers: The UNV OV service is open to all people worldwide that are beyond the age of legal majority according to the law in their respective countries. In principle, everyone who is motivated, has the required profile for an online volunteering assignment, and has a regular access to the Internet can apply.
Understanding IOM's Structure: Professional and General Service Categories
Staff in the Professional category, referred to as Officials, have international expertise in a particular aspect of IOM's work. IOM recruits at the levels of P-1 through to P-5, and Directors at D-1 level. Although IOM is not a part of the United Nations, it follows the job classification and compensation system regulated by the International Civil Servant Commission (ICSC), as established by the United Nations General Assembly. This category includes local qualified staff with the skills and ability to provide support service to the Organization and its professional staff. In this category, recruitment may take place at G-1 to G-7 levels. The AE Programme is intended to provide young graduates with an opportunity to learn first-hand about international development aid and to gain experience for potential, future employment in international organizations. It is based on the sponsorship of young qualified professionals by their respective governments.
IOM's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of 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.
Important Reminders for Applicants
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
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