International Organization for Migration is looking for a Development Fund Intern (French- or Spanish-speaking)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17772
Position Title: Intern - IOM Development Fund
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Classification: Intern, Grade Other
Type of Appointment: Internship, three months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 21 December 2025

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context

The IOM Development Fund (https://www.iom.int/iom-development-fund), within the Migration Policy Division of the Department of Data, Insight and Policy, provides a unique global resource aimed at supporting developing Member States in their efforts to strengthen their migration management capacity. With over 1000 projects implemented in more than 125 countries worldwide, the Fund has successfully addressed the capacity-building needs of eligible Member States by providing essential "seed funding" for innovative projects. Some of the most recent thematic areas of focus are:

• Counter-trafficking
• Enhancement of inter-governmental dialogue and cooperation
• Labour migration
• Migration and development
• Migration, environment and climate change
• Migration health
• Border management
• Policy and legal framework development

The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Administrator of the Fund or a delegated staff. The work will require a high level of interaction with the IOM field offices around the world.

Training Components and Learning Elements

• The Intern will gain experience in working in an international multicultural environment, within the United Nations system.
• Gain experience in organization, management, and international cooperation activities.
• Gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration.
• The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM staff.
• The Intern will have the possibility to interact with IOM staff within Headquarters and IOM Missions.

Responsibilities

1. Support the liaison with IOM’s Country Offices over project implementation, financial status of projects and adherence to the funding criteria;
2. Review and edit in coordination with the Country Offices, financial and narrative reports in order to finalize and submit the reporting package to the recipient’s government;
3. Monitor active projects using the Project Information and Management Application (PRIMA) and by coordinating with IOM Country Offices;
4. Assist in branding, out-reach and public relations related activities – for example, prepare PR material on the Fund for distribution to the field and to respective governments e.g., website revisions, newsletters;
5. Assist with the revision and update of the Fund information sheets, materials and studies;
6. Draft presentations and reports on the Fund for use by Headquarters and the Country Offices; and
7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

University degree in International Relations, International Affairs, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law, or any related discipline.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Internship-related experiences - Experience in the field of report writing and review. Previous experience in an international environment an asset;
• Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently; and
• Experience in the production of leaflets, brochures and other PR material is an asset.

Skills

• Strong interest in global migration challenges;
• Computer literacy - MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Experience with InDesign and databases an asset;
• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and French or Spanish;
• Strong writing, drafting and communication skills; strong report editing skills; ability to manage challenging timelines;
• Ability to timely understand the organization’s structure and portfolios; and
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and French or Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, and Russian) is an advantage.
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.
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

• 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

• 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.

Note

Eligibility and Selection

• 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.

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.
Please consider the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
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.
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
Other:
Only candidates possessing the right of residence and right to work in Germany can be considered for this vacancy.
No late applications will be accepted.

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