The Representation of UNHCR in France was established on 1 October 1952. It carries out advisory and advocacy work with French institutions, and information and awareness-raising work with the general public, for the benefit of the people under its mandate. Within the Representation, the Legal and Policy Affairs Unit is responsible for monitoring and analysing the legal and political framework of asylum in France, including in the overseas territories, as well as its articulation with European Union law and international protection standards. It follows asylum procedures, in particular before the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) and the National Court of Asylum (CNDA), and maintains regular dialogue with the competent authorities.
The unit also contributes to UNHCR's advocacy on asylum policy in France, in particular on the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, resettlement and the development of legal pathways to protection, and the strengthening of the capacities of asylum systems. It works in close coordination with institutional and associative partners, and with the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Europe. Under the supervision of the legal adviser, the intern supports the Legal and Policy Affairs Unit in its legal analysis, advocacy and institutional coordination activities, particularly in relation to the asylum procedure in France, EU law and the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Tasks and Responsibilities
📚 Contribute to the delivery of initial and continuing training for members of the CNDA
⚖️ Contribute to legal research and to drafting analysis notes on asylum law, on the asylum procedure in France including overseas, and on European Union law
🔎 Monitor legislative, jurisprudential and political developments in the field of asylum, in particular in relation to the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum
🗓️ Take part in the preparation of meetings, events and external interventions, including drafting minutes and summary notes
🤝 Take part in the transversal activities of the unit, according to the needs of the service
🌍 Participate in status verifications in applicants' countof of first asylum
📌 Carry out any other activity according to the needs of the Protection unit
Profile Sought
You are a young graduate, meaning you finished your studies within the two years before applying, or you are currently pursuing higher education at a university or higher education institution recognised by UNESCO. You have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a relevant field or one of interest to the Organization, such as human rights, public international law, international relations or political science. You have in-depth knowledge of the asylum procedure in France and the actors involved, strong writing skills in French and English, and research, analysis and synthesis skills. You have a sense of organisation, method and rigour, along with autonomy, responsiveness and adaptability. You have a minimum C2 level of French and a minimum B2 level of English on the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
📝 Also open in France: Editorial and Social Media Internship at IRK Magazine in 🇫🇷 France → https://youthworkshub.org/19102
Conditions
🕘 Working time: 40 hours per week
📆 Duration: initially until 31 December, then renewable until April 2027, for a total of 6 months
📅 Start date: ideally 19 October 2026
💶 Allowance: interns who do not receive financial support from third-party organisations will receive an allowance to partially cover food, local transport and living expenses. The current allowance is set at approximately 1,480 euros per month
Who Can Apply
The role requires a minimum C2 level of French and a minimum B2 level of English (CEFR). You should be a young graduate or a student in higher education, with at least two years of relevant undergraduate study and knowledge of the asylum procedure in France.
🤝 Another one worth a look: Refugee Youth Mentoring and Tutoring Internship in 🇺🇸 the United States → https://youthworkshub.org/20537
How to Apply
Apply online through UNHCR's recruitment system. For any questions about the recruitment process, the administrative service can be contacted by email.
Deadline
⏳ 19 August 2026
Link
🔗 https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Paris-France/Protection-Intern_JR2668299
