Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (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.
The 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 1,000 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; and policy and legal framework development.
What You Will Do
The IOM Development Fund Intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Administrator of the Fund, or a delegated staff member, and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Migration Policy Division. The work requires a high level of interaction with IOM field offices around the world. The intern will have the following duties and responsibilities:
🤝 Support the liaison with IOM's Country Offices over project implementation, financial status of projects, and adherence to the funding criteria
📄 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
✏️ Review and edit, in coordination with the Country Offices and Regional Offices, project revisions including duration and results revisions
📝 Support the development of project proposals, in coordination with the Country Offices and Regional Offices and in line with the IOM Project Handbook and Fund guidelines
📊 Monitor active projects using the Project Information and Management Application (PRIMA) and by coordinating with IOM Country Offices
📣 Assist in branding, outreach and public relations related activities, for example preparing PR material on the Fund for distribution to the field and to respective governments, such as website revisions and newsletters
🗂️ Assist with the revision and update of the Fund information sheets, materials and studies
🎤 Draft presentations and reports on the Fund for use by Headquarters and the Country Offices
📌 Perform such other duties as may be assigned
Learning Objectives
🌍 Gain a practical understanding of the IOM Development Fund's mandate, work and project cycle
📈 Develop basic skills in project review, monitoring, reporting and coordination
✍️ Strengthen drafting, editing and analytical skills in support of project-related documentation
🧭 Gain exposure to IOM's institutional tools, procedures and internal coordination processes
🤝 Enhance knowledge of migration management, international cooperation and capacity development
👥 Build professional skills in teamwork, communication, organization and working in a multicultural environment
🪨 Also open in Switzerland: Geotechnical Site Investigation Internship at an engineering firm in 🇨🇭 Switzerland → https://youthworkshub.org/20447
Who Can Apply
Interns must be between 20 and 36 years of age and should have less than two years of relevant working experience. You should be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (a bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated in the last 12 months. A university degree in International Relations, International Affairs, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law, or any related discipline is required.
For experience, internship-related experience in the field of report writing and review is expected, and previous experience in an international environment is an asset, as is experience in the production of leaflets, brochures and other PR material, and practical experience of multi-tasking, prioritising and working independently. In terms of skills, you should have a proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines, computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, with experience in InDesign and databases an asset, a demonstrated interest in global migration challenges, strong writing, drafting, communication and report-editing skills, the ability to understand the organization's structure and portfolios quickly, and the ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
The role is built on IOM's values of inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage and empathy, and the core competencies of teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability and communication.
🎓 Another one worth a look: Refugee Youth Education Programming Internship in 🇺🇸 the United States → https://youthworkshub.org/20544
The Details
📆 Duration: an initial 3 months, with the possibility of extension, within an internship contract type of 2 to 6 months
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland (Headquarters)
🌐 Language: fluency in English, oral and written, is required; working knowledge of French is an advantage
Funding
Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by their university or another sponsoring body, that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework, will not be eligible for the stipend. IOM covers interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the internship, but does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns are therefore responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and must provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. Any offer is subject to funding confirmation, and appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
How to Apply
Submit a duly completed application through the IOM e-Recruitment system before the deadline. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Deadline
⏳ 21 August 2026
