Job Description

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.

The selected candidate is expected to commence the internship in early 2027.

Responsibilities

Learning Objectives

Working under the overall direction of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Assistant, the intern will assist with the operational and administrative activities of the Labour Mobility, Social Inclusion and Resettlement Unit. Tasks will include: 

• Develop an understanding of the policy and operational context of resettlement and family reunification in the Netherlands, including the role of IOM, relevant Dutch authorities, partner organizations and other stakeholders; 
• Support the project team in the implementation of family reunification and resettlement activities, including project coordination, follow-up with stakeholders and preparation of project-related documentation; 
• Support engagement, coordination and communication with relevant internal and external stakeholders involved in family reunification and resettlement activities; 
• Assist with the review, analysis and summarization of policy documents, reports, relevant news items and policy developments related to migration, asylum, resettlement, family reunification and complementary pathways, and prepare concise summaries for internal use; 
• Attend internal and external meetings, as appropriate, and support the preparation of meeting notes, summaries, action points and brief reports; 
• Support logistical, administrative and record-management tasks, including maintaining project files and records, organizing meetings, preparing agendas, tracking follow-up actions and supporting other coordination processes; 
• Assist with the handling of information requests and inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely follow-up and clear communication in coordination with the project team; 
• Contribute to the development of new project ideas by supporting background research, stakeholder mapping, drafting of concept notes and identification of relevant policy or funding opportunities; 
• Support communication and visibility efforts by assisting with the preparation of communication materials, social media content, briefing notes, presentations, website content and other outreach products related to migration, resettlement and family reunification activities; 
• Support any other duties as assigned. 

Training Components and Learning Elements

By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to have:

• Acquired a practical understanding of migration policy and programming in the Netherlands.
• Developed research, analytical and drafting skills relevant to migration and social policy.
• Gained experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Improved professional communication, reporting and organizational skills.
• Enhanced knowledge of the work of IOM and the broader migration governance landscape.
• Built confidence working in an international and multicultural professional environment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A degree or current studies in a relevant field, such as International Relations, Political Science, Migration Studies, European Studies, Law, Sociology, Public Administration or another related discipline; 
• Applicants to IOM internships must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: 
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or 
  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or 
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) or (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. 

Experience

• Experience with writing project proposals or fundraising is an advantage; 
• Experience with an international organization or NGO desirable. 
• Experience and/or proven interest in migration issues; 

Skills

• Strong research and analytical skills; 
• Fluency in Dutch and excellent spoken and written English required; 
• Attention to detail, good communication and interpersonal as well as administrative skills; 

Languages

For this internship, fluency in English and Dutch is required. An additional UN language is an asset.

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.